Advantage Buffaloes, as they cut lead to 3 points

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Monday December 6, 2010 00:00

Mochudi Buffaloes edged closer to the top of the First Division log as Comets dropped valuable points against lowly-placed Kanye Swallows on Saturday. Buffaloes survived a scare against Young Strikers to emerge 4-3 victors in Mogoditshane amid tensions.

The weekend victory takes Buffoloes to No.3 in the log standings, with 19 points,  closing the gap between them and the leaders, Comets, to three  points.

But the Mochudi side  still has two games remaining to finish the first round matches, while  their rivals, Comets, and  Killer Giants(20), have both completed their first round games.

Buffoloes will hope to finish their remaining games against, Letlapeng and  Mathaithai on a high. Against Young strikers on Saturday, Buffaloes netted in the first minute with Gopolang Matlou connecting a good cross from fellow striker Puso Mangadi.

Buffaloes once again were on the score sheet as Matlou completed his brace after catching the defence in sixes and sevens in the 11th minute. The third goal came in the 27th minute after a flowing move between Matlou and defender Dithapelo Thari set up Godwin Sekgaolo to make it 3-0.

Strikers came back from the break believing that they could salvage the points and it nearly happened as they took advantage of the visitors' 'over excitement' to mount a strong challenge. Skilful midfielders Malebogo Bagasi and Kwape led their teammates in dangerous attacks but they were let down by poor finishing.Eventually, Bagasi scored from close range to reduce the deficit.

On the 67th minute, tension ensued on the pitch after Strikers were awarded a penalty, which Buffaloes' players and officials protested. Bagasi would score his second goal of the day from the resultant spot kick, to ignite a comeback by the home side.

More drama followed just a minute later when referee Nku showed Buffaloes' most reliable defender, Ramphaleng, a red card. With 20 minutes to play, Strikers were beginning to feel they could shock their opponents.

But coach Moshe 'Killer' Dipatane's hopes of snatching the equaliser were dashed in the 84th minute when Olefile Modise's corner kick was met by Nsuka Panzu's header to make it 4-2 for Buffaloes and make the game safe for the uneasy Kooitsiwe.

Meanwhile, in other First Division south action on Saturday, Mathaithai beat Happy Hearts 4-2. Naughty Boys beat Killer Giants 1-0, and Kanye Swallows beat Jwaneng Comets 2-1.

The line-ups:Buffaloes: Ola Tsae, Dithapelo Thari, David Tsheko, Olefile Modise, Don Ramphaleng, Onkokame Matsela(Star Ramponwane 57), Godwin Sekgaolo(Kedumetse Moeng 89), Kavidzedi Kavidzedi, Puso Mangadi, Nsuka Panzu, Gopolang Matlou(William Molefhe 67)

Coach: Moshe KooitseweStrikers: Obose Boko,  Edward Modisaotsile, Roy Kwape, Bakang Mosedame, Aldrin Mosweu, (Borbosky Lekgowa 57) Malebogo Bagasi, Nkwebi Letsholo, Emmanuel Mathope, Mothusi Kenosi, Mbakanyi Macheke(Desmond Mokaila 52), Kelapile Kgosietsile(Tedi Gunda 78) .          Coach: Moshe Dipatane

Referee: Lucas NkuAssistant Referees: Michael Rapalai, Omphile Mokalake