Prisons XI Back In Contention

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Monday March 15, 2010 00:00

The results have made the First Division South League interesting after Letlapeng were beaten 2-1 by struggling Young Strikers.

Although Peril are still top of the log, the results mean that Prisons XI return to second spot with a three-point difference from the leaders. The two teams started quickly as they searched for an early goal but without good direction it was obvious that goals would be elusive in the early stages of the game.

Peril's veteran striker Raymond Gumbo fired a cracker from the right in the third minute after catching Prisons' defence off-guard, but young goalkeeper Moagi Letsomo managed to parry it back into play. Prisons tried on several occasions to return fire led by Tatenda Mbikiwa, but the hard working marksman found the going tough against tall defender Batlhalefi Nakedi and Mbikiwa's situation was only worsened by his team mates playing high ball though it was evident he could not compete for aerial balls with the man nicknamed ''Two-Metre'.

But Peril should have taken advantage of Walter Bannani's poor display on the right flank. The Prisons' winger looked at sea throughout the game, always indecisive, but Bakang Makwela failed to exploit the weakness.

Prisons were dealt a huge blow when veteran defender Kabelo Kgosiang was injured early in the first half and coach Digger Montwedi had to shift Kabelo Motlhabane from midfield to play sweeper. Kgosiang was later red-carded for dissent while sitting outside the fence surrounding the ground.

In the 41st minute, Prisons bench rose in anticipation of a goal after Mbikiwa had received a good pass from deep in midfield but under pressure from Nakedi, Mbikiwa just shot straight at the goalkeeper.

The game went for half time with the score line reading 0-0 but within the first minute of re-start, Prisons' striker Gaolebe Makolokoto forced Nakedi to handle inside the box and Motlhabane stepped up to convert from the spot, thus scoring the only goal of the match.

After that goal Prisons' Kevin Khuwa's confidence seemed to grow as he started showing good technique and coolness when in possession and it created problems for Peril's towering midfielder Othusitse Marumo who had dominated the midfield with ease in the first half. Gumbo was back to check the Prisons defence in the 48th minute, forcing a turn in front of Billy Dikalanyane but was unlucky as his shot missed the target narrowly.

Prisons were lucky in the 61st minute when Koorapetse Bojang cleared off the line after skilful Lally Oabile had fired from close range.

Minutes later, the warders' kick-and-home football badly backfired as they conceded a penalty but Letsomo did well to save from Oabile spot-kick. In the dying minutes, it was Mchachos calling all the shots as Prisons' officers fought for dear life.