SANTOS pushed out of confed cup

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Monday March 1, 2010 00:00

 

Santos, making their debut in CAF competitions courtesy of their 2009 Coca-Cola Cup victory, dominated the whole first half and made their intention of getting an early goal very clear. Thato Bolweleng tested Costa Do Sol goalkeeper as early as the second minute with a powerful shot, but the goalkeeper bravely saved it. Santos continued to pile pressure on the Costa Do Sol defence but could not find the back of the net.

The visiting side found a rare attacking opportunity in the first half and goalkeeper, Chenjerai Dube nearly made a costly mistake when he handled the ball outside the box resulting in a free kick being given in the dangerous area as well as a yellow card awarded to him. The experienced goalkeeper however positioned himself well and made a good save.

Santos finally managed to penetrate Costa Do Sol in the 18th minute and the visiting, side was forced to commit a foul on Santos captain, Godfrey Ngele in the box. Godfrey's younger brother, Mogakolodi stepped up and converted from the spot kick but the referee ordered a re-take. Mogakolodi once again beat the Mozambique goalkeeper to give Santos a 1-0 advantage. Costa Do Sol tried to re-group and seemed to threaten Santos on counter-attacks especially towards the end of the first half.

Their main striker, Helton looked dangerous every time he was in possession but found little space as Santos defender, Thabo Mothibi was always timely with his tackles. Helton managed to test Dube for the first time in the 30th minute but the former BMC goalkeeper made a good save. Three minutes later, Helton threatened Santos goalposts as he turned Santos defence but his shot hit the cross bar. Santos' striker, Farasai Nyamunamwedo's goal was disallowed for an offside by the linesman just before the half time break.

Just about three minutes into the second half, Costa Do Sol found an equaliser when Josimar scored with a powerful header after a dangerous cross from the right.

The goal seemed to dampen Santos' spirits and the visitors stepped up their game and took control of the midfield. They nearly got their second goal three minutes later but the Santos defence cleared off the line with Dube well beaten.

Helton finally managed to beat Dube in the 69th minute when he overpowered the Santos' defender before unleashing a low shot to put the game beyond Santos' reach as Santos' conceded the third goal in the referee's additional time.

After the match, Santos' coach, Clever Hunda said lack of concentration from his defence let them down. He also said they missed clear-cut chances in the first half which could have seen them go into half time with a big margin. He added that fatigue also seemed to catch up with his youngsters in the second half as they had to play four games within 10 days.