Sankoyo Snatch Important Away Win
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday January 15, 2018 17:00
The match, which was originally scheduled to take place at Francistown City Council Stadium, was moved to Gaborone on Thursday in a decision that sparked public criticism.
Gilport Lions, who have in the past failed to honour some games because of their dispute with players over unpaid salaries, requested to use Lekidi Ground as their venue for the fixture.
The Botswana Premier League (BPL) gave them a green light last week. They also managed to register new players ahead of the match against Sankoyo after losing about 16 players towards the end of last year.
Sankoyo dominated the first 20 minutes of the game as expected with several Gilport players still trying to understand each other having only met this past week. Eight minutes from kick-off, Sankoyo striker Morris Ruzivo tested Gilport Lions’ goalkeeper, Tshomarelo More from a free kick outside the box.
More however did well and parried the ball away to give Sankoyo a corner kick.
Just before the halftime break, Walter Sande also tried to beat More with a long range but the Gilport Lions’ goalkeeper once again denied them and punched the ball away from danger.
The visitors did all they could and dominated play but just could not beat Sankoyo goalkeeper. The two sides went into the half time break tied at 0-0.
Three minutes into the second half, Sankoyo’s Moabi Sebele hit the upright from a free kick much to the relief of the home side.
However, Gilport began to find the rhythm and were rewarded in the 51st minute when Sankoyo conceded a free kick on the edge of the box.
Poloko Nkalolang stepped and curled it to the far corner, giving Sankoyo goalkeeper, Kabelo Kuti no chance. Sankoyo made double substitution and introduced Wilfred Dithwane and Gaongalelwe Dipateletso. Dithwane’s introduction in particular changed the complexion of the game back into Sankoyo’s favour again.
Two minutes after their introduction, Sankoyo were awarded a corner kick. Ruzivo delivered into the box and Sebele rose high and headed home to level matters.
Sankoyo scored the winner in the 70th minute from Sande’s long-range shot.
Speaking to the media after the match, Gilport Lions’ coach, Paradzayi Mandivenga said he was impressed with how his team fared despite the loss.
He said with that performance, having been together for only three days after the festive break, there are positives to draw from going forward. Sankoyo assistant coach, Gadimang Tiiso said it was always going to be difficult to play against a determined Gilport Lions but said he was happy that they managed to collect maximum points.
The teams:
Gilport Lions: More, Tumisang Sekanonyane, Otlaantshekela Mooketsi, Oabona Mangope, Bonolo Tukula, Moshe Mokgethi, Maatla Ditshoso (Atang Morwamang), Lobopo Moremi, Thapelo Motlhanka, Nkalolang, Olorato Lefawane (Lucas Kethametswe)
Sankoyo: Kuti, Mothata Lucas, Onkarabile Ratanang Sebele, Modiredi Matengu, Onkgolotse Motlhabankwe, Thato Monowe (Dithwane), Ruzivo, William Sithole, Sande, Tapiwa Sepatela (Dipateletso)
Caution: Motlhabankwe
Gilport Lions 1 (Nkalolang 51st)
Sankoyo 2 (64th minute, Sande 70th)