GU, Centre Chiefs share the spoils

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Monday November 22, 2010 00:00

 

Gaborone United (GU) recovered from a 1-0 deficit at half time to claim a 1-1 draw with Mochudi Centre Chiefs in a heated be-MOBILE Premier League action played at the UB stadium yesterday. Magosi who had an upper hand throughout the first half went ahead on the 12th minute through the league's leading goal scorer Moemedi 'Jomo' Moatlhaping. Moatlhaping headed the ball past GU keeper Kgosietsile Senjoba following a deflection of a Galabgwe Moyana free kick on the United defence.

Chiefs continued mounting pressure on GU defence with Moyana and Pontsho Moloi making brilliant switches on the flanks giving United's right back Gobonyeone Selefa a torrid time. The badly exposed former national under-23 international was subsequently substituted and replaced with experienced Kenny Ledikwe who stabilised the defence as well as helping attack. Chiefs had created numerous chances in the first half and could have wrapped the game had it not been poor finishing with Kekaetswe Mara Moloi as the main culprit. Kekaetswe saw his first effort come off the upright after Pontsho saw off the GU defence and goalkeeper and dished the ball to him to push into an empty net. A few minutes later, Senjoba made a brilliant save to deny Kekaetswe yet again this time around from close range after Moyana had beaten Selefa on the flank. GU coach Mike Sithole made a double change after the break bringing in Mandla Mgadla and Tshepo Molefe for Thabang Dira and Mpho Mabogo and the changes immediately paid dividends as Sageby Sandaka levelled the matters for Moyagoleele shortly after the changes.

The Zimbabwean tapped in a loose ball following a goal-mouth melee after Chiefs' keeper Noah Maposa failed to deal with a Mgadla cross. From there, the game switched from end to end with both sides attacking to extend their lead but none paid off. Chiefs came close on the 66th minute through Moatlhaping's close header but Senjoba was equal to the task. Moatlhaping was at it again two minutes later still from close range but Senjoba saved. At the end of the game, United's coach Sithole said he was happy to have got a point from the game, as Chiefs are a tough side.

Sithole commended his charges for having a great character to come back and equalise from being 1-0 down. He said he is still trying to build up a rhythm in the team but has realised the team lacks someone with a killer instinct upfront and he is looking forward to the January transfer window to reinforce his squad. An overly emotional Chiefs' coach Rahman Gumbo declined to comment on the game only saying it should have been an obvious win for his side.

Team line-ups:GU: Senjoba- Selefa (Ledikwe 39), Boitumelo Modisaotsile, Tumisang Sekanonyane, Given Mpundu-Ofentse Nato, Ohilwe, Steven Maposa, Dira (Mgadla 54)-Sandaka, Mabogo (Molefe 54).

Chiefs: Maposa-Itayi Gwandu, Tshepiso Kgosiemang, Mpoeleng Mploeleng, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Lesego Galenamotlhale (Tshweu Makhoere 78)- Othusitse Pilane (James Kachinga 58), Kekaetswe Moloi, Pontsho Moloi (Oteng Moalosi)-Moyana, Moatlhaping.

Man of the match: Kgosietsile Senjoba

Cautions: Dira 15, Modisaotsile 60, Motlhabankwe 83, Kgosiemang 88

Referee: Lekgotla Johannes1st assistant: Bakwena Simankalele2nd assistant: Oamogetse Godisamang4th official: Tebogo Ramocha