Impressive Tafic stun Gunners

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Monday November 29, 2010 00:00

 

The visitors showed their intensions from the onset dominating possession and putting Gunners' defence under pressure. They, however, failed to capitalise on the shaky Gunners' defence led by the dreadlocked duo of Moses Pelaelo and Martin Mathongwane.

The first half saw limited action around both goal posts with the first real chance at goal going TAFIC's way in the 35th minute. Uyapo Seleka chipped in a tricky cross from Chakazha Pharo on the left but Raphael Nthwane was quick to avert the danger parrying the ball over the bar for a corner.

Pharo came close again five minutes later with a powerful long-range direct free kick but once again Nthwane came to the rescue conceding another corner.

The visitors had confidence when in possession throughout the opening half while Gunners looked jittery and unimaginative whenever in possession failing to construct anything threatening to TAFIC.

Gunners' only chance in the half came on the very last minute when TAFIC keeper Aaron Molebatsi unnecessarily came off his line and missed the ball but Otlaadisa 'TRX' Mohambi's reaction was too slow as the keeper recovered to save. The two sides went to recess deadlocked at 0-0.

Gunners' mentor Daniel Nare started the game with speedy winger Kgololo Leteane and captain Ofentse Mmipi on the bench.  He made some changes after the break bringing in Leteane for Mohambi who looked tired while Mmipi replaced Shono Moatlhodi.

The changes however did not change anything as TAFIC soon found the opener. Dzimbiri found himself unmarked in the box and headed home from a corner to give the visitors a lead in the 70th minute.

Realising time was not on their side, Gunners tried to get the equaliser but to no avail. Hendrick Moyo made some tricky runs into the TAFIC box, but was often let down by poor finishing.

Molebatsi did well to foil substitute Aubrey Sithole's long-range shot on the last minute, tipping the ball over the bar for a corner. This happened to be the last chance before the referee blew his final whistle as the Francistown side returned home with maximum points.

The win takes TAFIC's unbeaten run in the league to six games having last lost a game against BDF XI on October 2. Veteran gaffer Paul Moyo congratulated his charges for a good away display and winning against Gunners. He said when he got to the club, he tried a few changes bringing in youngsters and the move is now paying dividends as the team is doing well.

Team line-ups: Gunners: Raphael Nthwane-Finkie Mothibi, Pelaelo (Sithole 90), Lorato Mokalake, Mathongwane- Kemmy Pilato, Maano Ditshupo, Moyo, Moatlhodi (Mmipi 68), Monageng Thaele, Mohambi (Leteane 60)

TAFIC: Molebatsi-Koziba Thabano, Osenyeng Tsenang, Biki Letuane, Pharo-Thuso Maunge, Wellington Sibanda, Mlamuli Phakathi, Obonye Moswati,Clarkson Dzimbiri, Tamocha Bedi (Tuelo Motaung 85)

Cautions: Thabano 42, Mothibi 65

Man Of The Match: Dzimbiri

Referee: Tebogo RamochaFirst assistant: Tumelo ArmstrongSecond assistant: Bakwena SimankaleleFourth official: Lekgotla Johanne