Gunners Through To Coke Quarter-Finals

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Monday February 15, 2010 00:00

 

Gunners are now through to the quarterfinals of the country's premier knock-out competition which has a top prize of P500,000.

Despite going into the break with a 1-0 lead, Gunners fumbled throughout the first half and were lucky not to have conceded as Mathaithai squandered numerous goal-scoring opportunities.  The Moshupa outfit did enough to make sure Gunners failed to settle in the game from kick-off, but Mapantsula found their foot after the break and stamped their authority.

Gunners could have gone behind as early as the third minute but Gaanosi Mashabane's shot was tipped out for a corner by goalkeeper, Ntungamili Tshoganetso.

The Gunners' defence had failed to clear a loose ball in a goal mouth melee which saw Mashabane take a shot at goal.

Mathaithai dictated terms particularly in the middle of the pack where Mashabane was in fine form, but his team mates failed to convert several opportunities that came their way. Striker Bosa Kenosi was the main culprit though he was a thorn in the Gunners' defence in the opening minutes of the first half.

Gunners' Burundian striker Aime Nzohambanayo broke the deadlock midway through the first half heading home a cross from deep in midfield.  He failed to get a second a minute later after a defensive blunder by Mathaithai saw him come face to face with the goalkeeper but the striker lacked composure as he ballooned his effort over the bar.

Gunners' coach, Daniel 'Chico' Nare made two substitutions in the second half, replacing Kgololo Leteane with Monageng Thaele and Ofentse Mmipi coming in for Christopher Ndayashime.

It was Monageng Thaele who set Maano Ditshupo for the second goal after the Mathaithai goalkeeper failed to deal with his free kick from outside the box. Ditshupo reacted quickly to make it 2-0.

Gunners were now in control of the game and Ditshupo completed his brace with a goal five minutes from full time. Midfielder, Aubrey Sithole demonstrated good skills before setting up Ditshupo and the diminutive midfielder did not make any mistake.

Mathaithai found their consolation goal through Mogakolodi Olebeng in the final minute of the referee's additional time. Gunners now progress to the last eight of the knock-out competition as their good season continues. The Lobatse side is still in with a chance in the league race.