Chiefs Grab First Win Of The Season
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday October 16, 2017 15:19
It was Magosi’s first victory this season after playing to two draws in the opening two matches. The highly anticipated match almost lived up to expectations especially in the second half with many chances created by both sides.
In the first half, the two teams cancelled each other out from the first whistle until towards the middle of first half. Gunners coach, Itumeleng Duiker, without star midfielder Ofentse Mmipi, made several changes from the team that kicked off the season.
Speedy winger, Mandla Mgadla started on the bench as well as Mothusi Cooper. Chiefs on the other hand welcomed back Charles Mutero and Thatayaone Ramatlapeng who missed the first two matches while still sorting out their registrations. However, Lawrence Majawa again missed out on his official debut as his papers are still being sorted out. Lubinda could have put Chiefs in front early on in the first half when he found himself face-to-face with the advancing Gunners goalkeeper, Katlego Mbise.
The latter managed to close down the angle and Lubinda hit him with the ball as he tried to slot past him. From the rebound, Thato Ogopotse’s shot was deflected off target.
Khumoetsile Kufigwa also had a chance from a free-kick in the first half after Gunners had committed a foul on the edge of the box. Kufigwa took a good shot at goal, but Mbise managed to parry it over the bar for a corner.
Gunners, despite not having too many shots at goal also threatened but were most of the time let down by poor decision making in the box as well as failing to take shots at goal. Their new striker, Ronald Olaki as well as attacking midfielder, Kudzanai Machazani combined well and looked dangerous every time they approached Chiefs’ area.
In the second half, the game opened up a bit for both sides although Chiefs started the half a bit better. They had a chance earlier with a set piece, but Kufigwa’s shot again narrowly went over the bar.
They finally caught Gunners off guard in the 74th minute when Ogopotse received the ball inside the box and released a long range pass to Tendai Nyamadzawo. Finding themselves with two against two together with captain, Lesego Galenamotlhale, Lubinda joined the attack and Nyamadzawo passed to Galenamotlhale who quickly released the on rushing Lubinda.
This time Lubinda made no mistake and slotted past Mbise. Towards the end of the game, Gunners piled pressure in search of an equaliser and defender, Leteng Legopelo had two clear chances but missed both, to hand Magosi maximum points.
After the game, Duiker again rued missed chances and inability to take shots. He said they have been practising shooting at training but during game time, they fail to take shots. Chiefs’ caretaker coach, Innocent Morapedi was happy with the maximum points and said they needed to have character on the day, which worked for them. Meanwhile Chiefs’ new coach, Kinnah Phiri watched the game from the stands.
The teams:
Gunners: Katlego Mbise, Katlego Mothibi, Desire Bafana, Leteng Legopelo, Michael Tinye, Mmoloki Kebalepile, Thabo Metlhayotlhe (Mothusi Cooper), Emanuel Sekwena, Kenanao Kgetholetsile, Kudzani Machazani (Mandla Mgadla), Ronald Olaki
Chiefs: Noah Maposa, Othusitse Pilane (Goitseone Legopelo), Gosegonna Molapisi, Thato Kebue, Charles Mutero, Thato Ogopotse, Farai Maposa (Thatayaone Ramatlapeng), Lesego Galenamotlhale, Tendai Nyamadzawo, Lesego Lubinda, Khumoetsile Kufigwa (Nelson Moreetsi)
Cautions: Kebalepile, Nyamadzawo, Goitseone Legopelo
Gunners 0
Chiefs 1 (Lubinda 74th)