Defeat leaves Santos with mammoth task

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Tuesday February 16, 2010 00:00

 

Two goals in each half gave the hosts a healthy lead going into the second round on February 27. Santos' assistant coach, George Mogopodi said his team played well but was undone by what he termed unfair decisions from the referee which gifted Costa Do Sol with the win.

'First he awarded a penalty which in our view was not a penalty. The referee then gave our player a red card, which was harsh,' Mogopodi said via telephone from Mozambique yesterday. He said his team is determined to overturn the deficit in the return leg.

Mogopodi said it is possible for them to score two or more goals at home and all will depend on their approach and preparations for the game. Santos are making their debut in CAF competitions and would count on home ground advantage to record a shock result over their more illustrious opponents who are seasoned campaigners in Africa.

While Santos will be counting on home support, it would be a different ball game for Botswana's representative in the CAF Champions League, Gaborone United (GU) who squandered several opportunities in a 0-0 home draw against Orlando Pirates from South Africa.

GU will be away in Port Elizabeth and a scoring draw will see them through to the first round.

The Reds will feel disappointed after they created the better opportunities on Saturday but failed to win or score. Pirates kept a large chunk of the possession but were largely disappointing. It was evident that the South Africans, who face a tough seven days in their domestic league did not want to commit themselves in tackles.

Pirates face old foes, Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday and coach Rudi Krol rested several of his star players, some of whom featured late in the second half. Teko Modise, Moneeb Josephs and Lucas Thwala watched from the stands while Katlego Mashego, Thulasizwe Mbuyane and Andile Jali were only introduced in the second half.

GU speedy winger, Mandla Mgadla should have left the pitch with at least a goal as he agonisingly came close on three occasions.Despite failing to get a result on Saturday, GU were smiling all the way to the bank as a capacity crowd turned out to watch the match. The cheapest ticket was selling for P50 while the VIP section cost P100.