TAFIC Demolish GNT In League Opener
Chakalisa Dube | Monday October 15, 2018 12:47
TAFIC, who were so intact in all departments, won the match 4-1. The game was also beamed live on Maru TV marking the start of a five -year broadcast deal (for first division matches) between the Botswana Football Association (BFA) and Baboneng Film Productions.
It was a totally dominant performance by TAFIC who had fielded a few experienced players including former Zebras defender, Gobonyeone Shoes Selefa.
Tigers were awful in defence. They started slowly at the back and their midfield had nightmares, which compounded their problems.
TAFIC’s goal came as early as the ninth minute when forward Mbatshi Elias capitalised on a rebound after GNT goalie, Kealeboga Hobona failed to effectively deal with a shot from range.
TAFIC continued to pile more pressure on the hosts and Elias came close to securing his brace in the 27th minute but his shot went inches over the bar.
GNT levelled matters in the 37th minute through a well-taken free kick by former TAFIC forward Mooketsi Mampori.
Selefa had cut down Mampori on the edge of the goal area and the latter immediately stood up to convert from the resultant free kick that gave the visitors’ goalie, Abednico Morapedi no chance.
TAFIC increased their lead in the 54th-minute through Kemoreng Batisani who cleverly looped the ball over an advancing Hobona.
GNT, who never showed much intent after the interval, appeared to have been totally paralysed by the second goal and allowed TAFIC to enter their half with ease. They eventually conceded two more goals in quick succession towards the end. Elias secured his brace in 83rd-minute with a neat shot from range.
Hobona had initially made a good save from substitute Boitshoko Zikhale’s strong shot, but the ball fell straight on the legs of Elias who made no mistake.
A minute later, Batisani completed his brace after beating an offside trap following a neat pass by the much-travelled Zikhale. Elias earned the man of the match accolade for his exploits.
The teams
GNT: Hobona, Koziba Gibson, Moagi Marman, Montatudi Molapisi, Gofamodimo Kobe (Oratile Dongwana) Lekani Habana, Mampori, Kagisano Mungu, Aobakwe Mopaki (Mompati Mmeshe), Mbatshi Machongo, Kabelo Letshola
TAFIC: Morapedi, Kgosietsile Ernest, Thato Mosweu, Bokamoso Mbambo, Selefa, Mmilili Siwane (Rockie Nkwe), Elias, Michael Murwira, Batisani, Uyapo Thibathuwe (Mogomotsi Samson), Golebaone Baopedi (Zikhale)