GNT Advance After A Goal Feast
Chakalisa Dube | Monday February 25, 2019 12:56
GNT won the fiercely contested clash 4-3. The less fancied Francistown derby was a game of two halves. Angels started the game on a very high note and launched numerous attacks in the first stanza. They also looked high in confidence and enjoyed a large chunk of possession.
On the other hand, GNT struggled to enter the hosts’ half and. Additionally, they rarely tested Angels goalkeeper, for most of the first halve.
Angels were rewarded for their persistent attacking as early as 17th minute when forward Felix Nyikabarabanda neatly turned on the box and easily beat GNT goalie, Innocent Selomo with what appeared to be an innocent ball.
Angels found themselves leading by two goals 39 minutes into play when right-winger Mompati Mbidzo unleashed a very powerful shot from the edge of the box that gave the goalkeeper no chance.
Two minutes from the break, GNT’’s striker Samuel Mosabata easily tapped the ball into the back of the net after he had capitalised on an embarrassing defensive blunder from Thuso Monyama to make it 2-1. The score remained like that to the recess.
The second half entirely belonged to GNT. They stamped their authority in the match in all aspects and found the equaliser just two minutes from the break.
An unmarked Kagisano Mungu who was awarded the man of the match accolade unleashed a thunderbolt that gave Angels goalie, Tambani Bachopi no chance.
Seconds later former TAFIC forward, Mbatshi Machongo combined well with left back Mompati Marman but the latter’s shot was blocked by an advancing Bachopi.
GNT found themselves in the lead in the 56th minute when Mosabata connected with a well curled cross from the left. Moments later his glancing header sailed inches wide with Bachopi looking well beaten.
The visitors extended their lead in the 75th minute when Machongo’s powerful shot from the edge of the box found the top right after corner after he had pounced on a loose ball.
Tigers were punished towards the dying minutes of the match when Nyikabaranda tapped in a loose ball into an empty net to complete his brace after a goal melee.
However, the goal proved to just a consolation as GNT effectively held on to advance to the second round of the competition which will feature elite league clubs.
The teams:
Eleven Angels: Bachopi, Omphile Bathoeng, Thuso Monyama, Ofentse Ntesang (Mooketsi Simon), Quinton Moiloka, Jacob Matlalo, Mompati Mbizo, Tshokolo Sebane, Nyikabaranda, Bakang Mpatane, Desmond Mtokufa
GNT: Innocent Selomo, Maemo Sekepe, Moagi Marman, Montatodi Molapisi, Oratile Dongwana, Lekani Habana, Mompati Mmeshe, Mosabata, Machongo, Mungu, Kabelo Letshola
GNT 4 (Mosabata 43rd, 56th,Mungu 47th, Machongo 75th)
Angels 3 (Nyikabarabanda 17th, 88th, Mbidzo 39th)