Orapa Lose Further Ground In Title Chase
Tumelo Mouwane | Tuesday May 2, 2017 15:11
Mapantsula were technically dominant in the opening minutes, pressing the visitors in their own half in the first 15 minutes. On the other hand, Ostriches shot stopper, Kaelo Joseph had a busy day between the posts, thwarting Gunners’ attempts.
The visitors had fewer chances with Desire Bafana and Leteng Legopelo holding firm in defence. Even though the Peleng side visited the Ostriches’ posts often, Emmanuel Nlu alongside Obonye Moswate on the wings defended with superior confidence.
Kenanao ‘Flo’ Kgetholetsile failed to give his side the lead in the 26th minute as he sent the ball wide. Immediately after, Tendai Nyamusi failed to direct the ball into the net after dribbling past Mmoloki Kebalepile. Orapa clawed their way into the game, occasionally questioning Gunners keeper, Katlego Mbise.
The second half saw both teams up their aggression and Omaatla Kebatho’s effort was safely collected by Mbise in the 53rd minute.
Orapa’s efforts at goal increased but Mbise was equal to the task.
Mandla Mgadla made way for Thabiso Mabachi in the 73rd minute as coach, Itumeleng Duicker went all out for a win.
Gunners were the more adventurous in the closing stages but Joseph was firm, denying Kgetholetsile.
Kebatho was cautioned for a malicious tackle on Wazha Seleka.
In the after match interview Gunners coach, Duicker blamed it all on bad luck.
“We did our best today, we had numerous attempts at goal but we just lacked luck to score. We played very well but we will get there,” he said.
His counterpart, Madinda Ndlovu said they are happy with the result especially that some players were injured. “I can say we played very well especially that some of my players are injured, so this result is something we can settle for,” Ndlovu said.
The teams
Extension Gunners: Katlego Mbise, Katlego Mothibi, Mandla Mgadla (Thabiso Mabachi) Leteng Legopelo, Desire Bafana, Thabo Metlhayotlhe, Mmoloki Kebalepile, Ofentse Mmipi, Kenanao Kgetholetsile. Wazha Seleka, Oabile Makopo
Orapa United: Kaelo Joseph, Obonye Moswate, Kabo Mungabe, Emmanuel Nlu, Patrick Lenyeletse, Kemmy Pilato, Ronald Chikomo, Tendai Nyamusi, Lebogang Maswena, Gift Moyo, Omaatla Kebatho.
Gunners 0
Orapa 0