Ostriches Survive Rampant Rollers
Koketso Kgoboge | Monday March 13, 2017 16:21
Popa came into the encounter with all guns blazing making a statement as soon as the second minute. Lawrence Majawa slid a pass to Lemponye Tshireletso in front of the box, whose superb curler to the far post took a deflection for a corner.
Popa controlled the opening minutes and created numerous opportunities but failed to profit. In the 17th minute, Pape Ndaw climbed high at the far post to redirect a Tshepo Motlhabankwe cross but his effort was cleared off the line by Olekantse Mambo.
In United’s first meaningful attack after 20 minutes, Lesenya Ramoraka rolled a cross to Tendai Nyumasi from the left flank, his cheeky flick nearly caught Kabelo Dambe flat footed but he recovered and finger tipped the ball over the crossbar.
After the half hour mark, Tshireletso forced a spectacular save from Mosimanegape Robert with a brilliantly taken long range free kick. Omaatla Kebatho closed the half with a trademark power packed shot from the left inside the box and Dambe was saved by the crossbar.
Popa broke the deadlock in the opening minute from the dugout. Motlhabankwe posted a cross into the box and Keaketswe Moloi comfortably slotted a free header. Rollers controlled the tempo and had most of the possession after the goal.
However, that lasted only 15 minutes. On the hour mark, Ronald Chikomo sprang to the near post and sent Kealeboga Molebatsi’s free kick with a header into the bottom near corner to level matters. United grew in confidence after the goal but the determined Rollers remained resolute to emerge with a point.
Popa’s coach, Teenage Mpote was content with a draw. “It was never going to be easy and a point away is something to take home. We believe it will take us somewhere.”
His United counterpart, Madinda Ndlovu also accepted a draw. He said they are still in with a chance to snatch the league. “I am happy with a draw especially coming from behind. We have a good number of games left and many of which we will be playing home. We are still optimistic of winning the league.”
Teams:
United: Mosimanegape Robert, Kealeboga Molebatsi, Thabang Mosige, Olekantse Mambo, Lesenya Ramoraka, Kemmy Pilato, Lemogang Maswena (Patrick Lenyeletse), Tendai Nyumasi, Ronald Chikomo, Gift Moyo (Zebron Njobvu), Omaatla Kebatho
Rollers: Kabelo Dambe, Edwin Olerile, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Simisani Mathumo, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Lawrence Majawa, Mogogi Gabonamong (Maano Ditshupo), Joel Mogorosi (Motsholetsi Sikele) Lemponye Tshireletso, Pape Abdoulaye Ndaw (Terence Mandaza) Kekaetswe Moloi
Cautions: Kebatho, Motlhabankwe