GU Survive Highlanders Scare
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday September 24, 2018 13:34
The duo came into the match desperately eyeing a victory because of their positions in the log.
BR Highlanders are yet to register a win after their return to the elite league this season. GU on the other hand won their last match against Mochudi Centre Chiefs, but made no significant move on the table after being docked three points by the motherbody.
The first half produced few chances as BR Highlanders frustrated the hosts in the middle of the park.
GU, however, finally managed to break a resolute Highlanders defence in the 28th minute.
Karabo Setoutwe took a shot a goal and BR Highlanders goalkeeper, Lapologang Molatlhegi parried it back into play only to find its way into Dirang Moloi’s path. The enterprising midfielder calmly tapped into an empty net. Two minutes later, BR Highlanders responded through their influential captain, Boikobo Osupile. They launched a quick counter attack and under pressure, GU defender, Edwin Bonsu was forced to concede a corner.
Thato Gabatlhokwe beautifully curled it inside the box and Osupile headed home to level matters.
The goals separated the two sides at half time. In the second half, BR Highlanders took the game to GU and were nearly rewarded just four minutes into the second half.
Mompati Oabile took a long range shot from the right and GU goalkeeper, Goitseone Phoko finger-tipped the ball into the cross bar before it went out for a corner. Moments later, Highlanders introduced fresh legs with Kealeboga Oitsile and Tumo Keiketlile coming in for Tillie Setlhako and Mogakolodi Balatotse.
GU on the other hand introduced Mandla Mgadla for Kutlo Molelowamodimo.
However, it was Highlanders who created several scoring opportunities with Otlaarongwa Nthumolang and his captain, Osupile asking several questions to the GU defence.
Nthumolang had a chance to give his side the lead, but took a poor decision and decided to make a square pass without realising that he had only the goalkeeper to beat. Few minutes later, Nthumolang was involved in another brilliant move together with substitutes, Keiketlile and Oitsile.
However, Oitsile’s final effort went narrowly. Realising that they were now struggling with the tempo of the game, GU brought in midfielder, Jackie Mothatego but Nthumolang continued to terrorise GU defence.
With a few minutes left, Nthumolang beat GU defender, Goitseone Legopelo with pace and struck a powerful shot.
Realising that the shot was too powerful, Phoko decided to parry it back into play where his defence cleared the ball away. GU, however, managed to survive the scare as the two sides shared spoils eventually.
The teams:
Gaborone United: Phoko, Tshepo Maikano, Gosegonna Molapisi, Legopelo, Bonsu, Alphonse Modisaotsile, Setoutwe, Ogomoditse Bauleni, Molelowamodimo (Mgadla), Boipelo Oaitse (Mothatego), Moloi
BR Highlanders: Molatlhegi, Oabile, Thabang Mooketsi, Keabetswe Obonetse, Leteng Legopelo, Temo Keorileng, Gabatlhokwe (Bame Morwalela), Osupile, Balatotse (Keitletlile), Setlhako (Oitsile), Nthumolang
Caution: Setoutwe
GU 1 (Moloi 28th)
BR Highlanders 1 (Osupile 30th)