Letlapeng stop Buffaloes march to the top

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Monday December 13, 2010 00:00

Mochudi Buffaloes gave away a 1-0 first half lead and a chance to finish the first round at the top of the log when they drew 1-1 with homeside Letlapeng FC at Ramotswa Showground on Saturday. The result leaves Buffaloes in third spot while Letlapeng are seventh. On Saturday, Gopolang Matlou's brilliance saw the visiting Buffaloes surge ahead in the 41st minute but Jabu Phuduhutswana converted a controversial penalty in the 58th minute to level the scores.

Buffaloes looked on course to defend their narrow lead until referee Bondo Magogwe blew for a penalty because of a handball in the box though it looked like the ball hit a Buffaloes' defender on the back.

The match started on an exciting note with the two sides trying to get an early goal. Phuduhutswana, a former Extension Gunners' man,  terrorised Buffaloes' right wing back, Dithapelo Thare, with his skill and pace. The dribbling winger came close in the 12th minute forcing goalkeeper Ola Tsae to parry for a corner.

Eight minutes later, he came charging again after his step over saw him go past Thari but his final shot was disappointing.

As the two sides exchanged fire, Letlapeng earned a free kick near the box in the 28th minute. The ball was floated in but former international striker, Tshepiso 'Sox' Molwantwa failed to score from close range.

It was clear throughout the match that Molwantwa was not up to the challenge but surprisingly, he played the whole 90 minutes. He failed to click up front with another Premier League veteran Donald Mopako. At one time, Mopako ran through the defence but failed to score, allowing young Thari to clear when his only obstacle would have been Tsae in goal.

From the break, a fierce battle unfolded in the central midfield where Patrick Magosi for Letlapeng and Kavidzedi Kavidzedi for Buffalloes vied for dominance. Buffaloes' striker Puso Mangadi had a difficult afternoon with defender Thato Motlhatlhobi keeping him on a tight leash.

The last 30 minutes saw the hosts take control of the match. Phududhutswana who had little problems unlocking the visitors' defence nearly got his second in the 64th minute but his powerful effort came off Tsae's cross-bar.

Two minutes later, defender David Mfolwe should have scored after jumping well to nod the ball but he misdirected his header. The off-form Molwantwa came agonisingly close in the 74th minute with a well-taken header after Moalafi's beautiful cross from right. In the other fixture, bottom of the log Queens Happy Hearts beat Young Strikers 1-0 at SSG Ground.