Gunners Increase TAFIC Woes

Frederick Kebadiretse
Staff Writer | Monday March 29, 2010 00:00

 

Two first half goals from strikers Bernard Semakwezi and Aime Nzohambanayo were enough to seal victory for the Peleng side.

Spectators who thronged the 10,000-seater stadium got their money's worth as both sides dished out exciting carpet football they are renowned for.

Gunners, who were welcoming coach Daniel 'Chicco' Nare to the bench after a three-match suspension had the upper hand over their relegation-threatened opponents throughout the first half.

Their first goal came in 15th minute when Semakwezi was cleverly set-up by on-form midfielder Maano Ditshupo.The Zambian striker did not waste time, putting the ball in the back of the net to take his season tally to 12. He looks like he is regaining the goal-scoring form he showed at the start of the season when at one time he was the leading scorer.

TAFIC did not just sit back as they created a couple of chances but the quick reflexes of Gunners' goalkeeper Ntungamili Tshoganetso averted danger.

Nomadic striker, Nicolas Gora must be blaming himself for missing a couple of sitters in the first half. The striker however had a good game, positioning himself well.

He showed glimpses of the form that made him a darling at Mmachimenyenga a few seasons back before Mochudi Centre Chiefs recruited him.

Gunners got their second goal in the final minute of referee's additional time when Nzohambanayo turned and squeezed the ball in from a tight angle in the box to make sure Mapantsula go for the break leading 2-0.

Both teams continued to create chances in the second half but none scored with Tshoganetso once again denying TAFIC with some acrobatic saves. Nare brought in midfielders Monageng Thaele and Ofentse Mmipi for injured Kenny Ramodisa and Kemmy Pilato to continue piling pressure on TAFIC's defence which looked very shaky in the second half.

The victory left Gunners still perched at position four with 44 points from 22 outings after Flamengo Santos won earlier during the day.

Mapantsula are one point behind third-placed Mochudi Centre Chiefs who have a game in hand. TAFIC are propping the standings and look set to be heading to the First Division next season with only 14 points from the 19 games.

GUNNERS - Tshoganetso, Mothibi, Nlu, Mokalake, Ramodisa (Thaele) 67, Pilato (Mmipi) 75, Ditshupo, Ndayashime, Nzohambanayo, Semakwezi, Leteane.  Coach: Nare

TAFIC-Molebatsi, Njamela, Mlambo, Mokgweetsi, Tsenang, Modisaotsile, Bedi,Gora, Morwira, Molapisi, Nala, (Simbarashe) 52.  Coach: P. Moyo