Amponsah�s Strike Keeps Notwane Atop
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday March 5, 2018 17:26
Notwane came into the game sitting at the top of the log, just a point ahead of Prisons XI.
Sechaba had to bag three points to stay atop as their title rivals, Prisons, beat Modipane United 2-0.
The Toronto Boys looked threatening early on into the game with flamboyant midfielder, Sthembile Mbque orchestrating the team’s attack.
From across on the right wing, Amponsah rose highest to give his side the lead in the 19th-minute with his fifth of the season.
Sechaba continued to exploit the opponents’ left full back as he struggled to deal with winger, Thabiso Boti and the overlapping Mpoeleng Mpoeleng.
On the 38th-minute, Amponsah missed a chance to bag a brace as he shot straight into the keeper’s hands. The teams went into the break with Sechaba holding a one-goal lead.
After the interval, Notwane continued to dominate the proceedings, but were let down by poor decision-making in the final third while Sparks looked to catch their opponents on the counter.
Sechaba suffered an injury as Mbque limped out and was replaced by Raymond Israel.
the 65th-minute, Notwane squandered a chance to double the lead after Amponsah centred the ball for Boti who tapped in to the net from close, but was ruled offside by the assistant referee.
Sparks gradually got into the game as time went on, but were let down by their desperate approach inside the final third as Notwane walked away with the valuable three points on the afternoon.
“I think we played well, we got one chance in the first half, which we used on the second half. I think it was balanced 50/50, but on the end of the game it is not how we get the three points. We rushed a lot of chances in the final third as we lacked composure,” Notwane coach, Kakale Mabechu said after the game.
The Teams:
Notwane: Michael Pepukani, Mpoeleng Mpoeleng, Ronald Selemane, Brian Botsang, Boitumelo Modisaotsile, Falkirk Shabane (Ookeditse Kgositsile), Thabiso Boti, Tlhalefo Molebatsi, Amos Godirwang, Sthembile Mbque (Raymond Israel), Ishmael Amponsah
Sparks: Godwin Dubulu, Kabo Natale, Goaba Gabalebatse, Onkabetse Nkwe, Othusitse Molako, Mooketsi Gabanyatse, Tumelo Kebadilwe, Koketso Thobekwe, Godfrey Joseph (Kebafodile Phuduhudu), James Molwantwa (Leatile Tumisang), Thuto Nkwe
Cautions: T. Nkwe, Gabanyatse