TAFIC Hand H�landers First Defeat
Koketso Kgoboge | Monday November 28, 2016 15:26
Highlanders dropped two places to third while Motlakase Power Dynamos rose to the summit thanks to Katlego Ralegoreng’s last gasp goal in a 1-0 win against cross-town rivals, Morupule Wanderers at Palapye Swallows Ground. At the Francistown Stadium, TAFIC and Highlanders began cautiously with both sides reluctant to show their cards. Highlanders were the first to raise their hand after the opening 10 minutes but failed to crack the TAFIC defence. It took the home side 20 minutes to start asking questions. In the 21st minute, Mooketsi Mampori beat Highlanders defence for pace and directed a grass cutter towards the far bottom right but the goalkeeper’s fingertips on a dive swayed the shot out for a corner. He had another shot parried out before handing his team the lead in the 35th minute.
Live wire, Mampori, pounced on a long clearance from his half and punished Ookeditse Semelamela with a header after the goalkeeper and defender Agisanyang Ramaabya miscommunicated. Mbatshi Machongo could have doubled the lead before the break but made a mess of a through ball one-on-one against Semelamela.
Despite being a goal down, Highlanders enjoyed much of the possession in the first half.In the second stanza Highlanders did not turn up.
Their only chance came in the 56th minute when Bobby Motlhabankwe’s effort from a short corner hit the upright. “We switched off in the second half,” Highlanders coach Boyo Radipotsane acknowledged. “It was a tough game away and our first loss. It was bound to happen sometime and we will take it home as a lesson.” After defusing Highlanders in the second half, TAFIC pulled out their attacking players and reinforced the defensive midfield to hold onto their lead until the last whistle.
TAFIC coach, Blessing Moyo said in the second half the plan was to protect their lead. “It’s an important win for us and it was important to defend our lead. I must give credit to the boys; they worked together really well,” he said.
The teams:
TAFIC: Chamu Madamombe, Motseoatile Elijah, Thato Mosweu, Phineas Kgotlang, Zeco Makafiri, Molebatsi Kangwangwani, Mbatshi Machongo, Mbatsi Elias (Golebaone Baopedi), Kemoreng Batisani, Uyapo Thibathuwe, Mooketsi Mampori (Kabo Ogolotse)
Highlanders: Ookeditse Semelamela, Gofamodimo Samuel, Leornard Sam, Tillie Sethako (Charles Mojokeri), Thatogo Moamogedi (Brian Kobe), Setshwaneng Oletile, Agisanyang Ramaabya, Boikobo Osupile, Otlarongwa Nthumolang (Gofamodimo Tarea), Emmanuel Thakadu, Bobby Motlhabankwe
Caution: Sam
TAFIC (1) 1 (Mooketsi Mampori 35th)
BR Highlanders 0