Stars, Highlanders In A Dull Draw
Chakalisa Dube | Monday February 26, 2018 15:45
They exhibited a poor performance in their encounter against rookies Calendar stars. The match was played before a fairly impressive crowd at the Francistown Stadium.
Based on their form and pedigree Highlanders were billed to dominate the encounter against inconsistent Stars. However, apart from hitting the woodwork twice in the second half the visitors were far from convincing.
Stars dominated possession for notable parts of the game.
Both teams appeared to have adopted a very defensive approach and seldom went forward. Highlanders had their penalty appeal turned down a few minutes before the break when a shot destined for the goals appeared to have hit a Stars defender on the hand.
The match opened up a little bit in the second half and Highlanders could have gained the lead five minutes from the break. Highlanders striker, Thato Gabathokwe's shot from the edge of the box hit the far right.
In the 59th minute, Stars failed to capitalise on a goalkeeping blunder by Molatlhegi Lapologang. The Highlanders goal minder spilled what appeared to be an innocent cross from right. Stars's striker Odirile Mokgethi shot straight at Lapologang.
Highlanders found themselves a man down in the 76th minute when defender Onkarabile Tsheko was red carded. Tsheko had accumulated two yellow cards.
In the dying moments of the game, Lapologang denied Stars's Matlhogonolo Manko from close range. Lapologang parried Manko's shot back into play.
Earlier on Gabathokwe was denied by the upright. The match eventually ended in a draw.
The teams:
Stars: Nsala Mosinyi, Onkarabile Caiphus, Gofaone Thankane, Keabetswe Matote, Maikano Macheng , Edmore Gukgwe, , Tshireletso Salefoma (Mmoloki Kafuko), Manko, Odirile Mokgethi (Mogomotsi Samson), Olebogeng Sekani
Highlanders: Lapologang, Gofamodimo Samuel, Thabang Mooketsi, Keabetswe Obonetse, Onkarabile Tsheko, Maothodi Sam, Thato Gabathokwe, Tillie Setlhako, Emmanuel Thakadu, Mogakolodi Balatotswe, Tumo Keiketile