Relief For Makwengwe As GU Thump Orapa United
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday February 4, 2019 15:56
The victory, which is their first this year, has brought some relief for both the supporters and head coach, Philemon Makwengwe following a series of unsatisfactory results.
Before the game, GU had last tasted victory in December against BDF XI. With other title contenders, Township Rollers and Jwaneng Galaxy’s fixtures scheduled for Sunday, Orapa United blew a chance to go top of the log standings on Saturday despite taking an early lead.
It only took them two minutes to find the back of the net through Lemogang Maswena. A ball was played into the box from the wing and Orapa United striker, Omaatla Kebatho wrestled GU defence and rattled the upright before the ball bounced back into play.
From the rebound, Maswena found himself unmarked on the edge of the box and smashed the ball past Goitseone Phoko.
GU nearly got the equaliser in the fourth minute as Obonwe Maome’s effort hit the cross bar, but Orapa United defence was quick enough to respond to the threat and cleared away.
Towards the middle of the first half, GU defence was caught napping and Orapa United midfielder, Gofaone Mabaya sneaked from behind but his header hit the cross bar.
GU searched for an equaliser and were rewarded when Orapa United failed to deal with a corner kick.
Defender, Alford Velaphi capitalised from the blind spot to level matters. Some minutes later, GU took the lead through Patrick Kabamba.
They were awarded a freekick and Dirang Moloi delivered a dangerous ball into the box. Kabamba rose above everyone and headed home. With GU now piling pressure, they almost scored another goal in a similar fashion.
Orapa United committed a foul almost on the same spot and Moloi once again stepped up and curled it into the box. However, Thatayaone Kgamanyane was denied by the cross bar.
Four minutes into the second half, Phoko did well to deny Mabaya before Kgamanyane and Kabamba wasted what should have been GU’s easy goals with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Orapa then introduced attacking midfielder, Tendai Nyumasi who quickly settled into the game.
However. they were punished through a counter attack with Moloi in the end releasing Maome who calmly beat the advancing goalkeeper.
Orapa were awarded a penalty after Gaopatwe Seosenyeng fouled Tapiwa Nyamanjiva in the box. However, Phoko denied Nyumasi from the spot. Orapa United assistant coach, Zecharia Mudzazi said his charges were not up to it on the day.
“I think GU wanted it more than us. You could see even their aggression,” he said. Makwengwe on the other hand said the victory means a lot, but was worried that they continue to concede goals early in the game.
The teams:
Gaborone United: Phok, Velaphi, Gosegonna Molapisi, Seosenyeng, Godwin Bonsu, Alphonse Modisaotsile, Rentse Keakabetse, Moloi, Maome, Kgamanyane, Kabamba (Jerome Ramatlhakwana)
Orapa United: Kaelo Joseph, Kealeboga Molebatsi, Mooketsi Hlabano, Kabo Mungabe, Mothusi Johnson, Nyamanjiva, Baboloki Makhura, Mabaya (Nyumasi), Kobamelo Kebaikanye (Unobatsha Mbaiwa), Maswena (Molaodi Tlhalefang), Kebatho