Stimela Back On Track After TAFIC Win
Correspondent | Monday February 27, 2017 16:21
Mogakolodi Balatotse’s second half penalty was enough to condemn TAFIC to their first defeat in nine matches.
TAFIC fought hard for long periods but were undone by a 62nd minute penalty which meant Highlanders, whose title aspirations were faltering, are back on track.
Stimela gave a strong rear guard action in the opening stages, while at the same time making frequent raids on the TAFIC goal.
Highlanders were awarded a free-kick early into the match but TAFIC goalkeeper, Abednico Morapedi saved Keorapetse Seloisi’s effort.
The hosts came hunting again in the 13th minute when Charles Mojokeri combined with Balatotse but TAFIC defender, Molebatsi Kangangwani thwarted the move.
A minute after Otlaarongwa Nthumolang sent Mompati Motshudi through with a brilliant ball, but the latter’s header missed the target by inches when fans were already celebrating. TAFIC fashioned their own chances with Mooketsi Mampori testing the home side’s goalkeeper, Molatlhegi Lapologang with a long range effort. Former ECCO midfielder, Zeco Makafiri wasted a free kick opportunity in the 22nd minute.The teams went to the break deadlocked. The tempo of the match picked up significantly in the second stanza, but it took a kick from six yards to decide the tie.
TAFIC’s Kangangwani fouled Nthumolang inside the box and Balatotse gave the visitors all the important three points.
Highlanders coach, Boyo Radipotsane said his boys played well and therefore deserved the win.
“I am happy for my boys. They played well. We have been struggling in our past games because our new players were not used to our play. They have now adapted to our style of play and now the competition will continue among the top teams,” Radipotsane said.
TAFIC assistant coach, Elias Chinyembe on the other hand blamed his defence for the penalty they conceded.
“We played well. It’s just that our defence made an error which led to the penalty. It happens in football. I am impressed because my boys fought until the last minute. It is only that they were unlucky with goals but we had chances to equalise. We shall go back and rectify our mistakes. We are not that worried as we still have a two points lead at the top,” he said.
Teams:
Highlanders: Molatlhegi Lapologang, Gofamodimo Samuel, Keorapetse Seloisi,Temo Keorileng, Chabaesele Lentswe, Charles Mojokeri,Agisanyang Ramaabya,Tshepo Molefe,Otlaarongwa Nthumolang,Setshweneng Oletile, Mogakolodi Balatotse (Tilie Setlhako)
TAFIC: Abednico Morapedi,Motseoatile Elijah, Thato Mosweu, Molebatsi Kanangwani,Zeco Makafiri(Lesego Mabalane), Ogomoditse Bauleni, Uyapo Thibathwuwe, Michael Murirwa, Opoga Dikesha (Kemoreng Batisani), Simbarashe Sithole, Mooketsi Mampori