Motlakase Stay In Touch With Flamingoes Win
Koketso Kgoboge | Monday April 10, 2017 13:04
TAFIC, who beat Chobe United 2-1 in Kasane, remain two points ahead of Motlakase as the league heads for a photo finish with one game remaining.
Flamingoes dominated possession in the opening half and created numerous chances, but Motlakase was water tight at the back and sprung quick with counter attacks.
The visitors had a goal disallowed on the half hour mark when Flamingoes goalkeeper and his defender, alone in the box, collided and the keeper spilled the ball, and on-rushing Thapelo Chabalala tapped into an empty net but the referee, instead, pointed for a free kick against Motlakase.
The visitors coach, Pule Mogotsi who was not happy with the decision, played down the incident. “It was a shocking decision and it nearly cost us but referees are human beings. We will take it as a mistake,” he said.
Motlakase re-grouped and 10 minutes from the dugout they were awarded a penalty kick. Kealeboga Oitsile who had been a thorn in the Flamingoes flesh, skillfully controlled in the box, sliced past his marker and was clipped. Thatayotlhe Gaokgorwe sent the keeper the wrong way to bury the spot kick.
On the hour mark, Kago Kwena saw his goal bound header cleared off the line by Motlakase’s Ronny Leagetse. The visitors sat with all men behind the ball, allowed Flamingoes to play in their half and sprang some counter attacks just like in the first half. Flamingoes, who were growing frustrated, started playing long balls and it nearly paid off when they were awarded a penalty four minutes from full time.
Omphemetse Bolofete threw his body on the line inside the box to block a shot and was penalised for a handball. Substitute Kago Matshoba skied the resulting spot kick. The experienced Bonolo Fraiser who was well guarded upfront drew back into midfielder and got increasingly involved. However, Motlakase remained solid with five men in the box to see off the game.
Mogotsi gave credit to his players. “We can’t say much about what happens in other games. We remain focused on ours and the boys were consistent throughout. Well done to the boys.”
Flamingoes coach, Enos Mmesi also gave it to Motlakase. “It’s a hard pill to swallow for us. We fought but they fought harder. They were tactically tight and I must congratulate them.”
The teams:
Flamingoes: Edwin Mokibe, Donald Chiringa (Kago Matshoba), Shanganani Ngada, Buzwani Magandayi, Kago Kwena, Letlang Moathodi, Mompati Sekwa (Olebogeng Sekani), Monametsi Tsapoga, Bonolo Fraiser, Lapologang Motlogi (Odirile Mokgethi), Mogomotsi Keabaitse
Motlakase: Kagiso Rankabekwa, Odirile Gabaleswe, Thatayaone Gaokgorwe, Tshephang Boithatelo, Kemiso Nswazi, Kealeboga Otsile, Willium Onkgopotse (Gaothobogwe Molemisi), Omphemetse Bolofete, Thapelo Chabalala, Ronny Leagetse, Itumeleng Mabuaaeme (Thabo Wetsoemang)
Caution: Boithatelo
Flamingoes 0
Motlakase (0) 1 (Gaokgorwe 55th (pen)