Santos run wild as GU crash out

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Monday March 7, 2011 00:00

 

Gaborone United (GU) fans will be the first to attest to the saying that football is not a fair game after watching their team succumb to a 3-0 loss at the hands of Uniao Flamengo Santos despite dominating much of the proceedings of the Sunday afternoon action in Molepolole. The loss saw Moyagoleele once again drop out of the last 16 of the Coca-Cola cup, a cup they have not lifted since its inception in 1992. The marauding Ngele brothers, Mogakolodi and Godfrey, were the usual suspects scoring a goal each to condemn the 'Money Machine' out of the cup race with a first prize-money of P500, 000.

GU started the game on a high looking very threatening on attack resulting in Santos conceding five corner kicks in the opening 13 minutes of the game. Winger Mandla 'Spikiri' Mgadla caused a nightmare for Santos' left-back easily finding his way past him on several occasions before swerving in some telling crosses inside the box.

United got the first chance at goal on the 11th minute when Steven Maposa connected in a corner kick by Tshepo Molefe with a powerful header that narrowly went over the bar. GU however seemed to have forgotten they have a role to defend as Santos caught them on counter-attack on the 18th minute. Ngele (Tsotso) controlled the ball from the left cutting inside the United box, maintaining his composure before unleashing past GU keeper Reuben Thakadu to give Santos the lead. It looked like it would not be long before United levelled the matters but Santos' defence had other thoughts as they thwarted any danger posed by GU's upfront.

The absence of newly-signed striker Dylan Chivandire in GU attack seemed to have affected them as the team did not have a target man with Ronald Chikomo wandering up-front while Maposa was often wide on attack. Despite having a little share of ball possession, Santos often looked dangerous whenever they had the ball going forward.

The combination of Boitshoko Zikhale and the Ngele duo was too difficult to handle for the slow GU defence.

Tsotso nearly caught a brace with a brilliant free kick on the 26th minute but Kabo Molokwane came to the rescue clearing the ball right on the line. Santos took their 1-0 lead into halftime. It did not take long for Santos to double their lead after the break when Bakang Moeng tapped in a free kick from Tsotso Ngele on the 47th minute. GU defence failed to clear the ball quickly and Moeng was there to capitalise on it and put the 2009 champions two goals ahead. Moyagoleele was left wandering what hit them again two minutes later as Godfrey scored the third goal for Santos with younger brother Tsotso being the provider. Tsotso set forth a long pass going towards goal and for a moment it seemed Thakadu got the ball only for it to slip through his hands and Godfrey slapped it home. With time to come back still on his side, GU coach Letang Kgengwenyane brought in Ntesang Simanyana and Godiraone Segaise for Molefe and Mgadla respectively. The two did well to bring balance to the team's midfield that was dominated by Santos before. GU tried a few tricks to get a goal that will put them back into the match but Santos' defence kept frustrating all their efforts until the final whistle.

Line-ups:Santos: Boitumelo Kediseng-Letsweletse Seane, Onkabetse Seforo, Sekgabo Molebatsi, Bosarutweng Magola (Jackie Mothatego 81)-Thabo Marumo, Godfrey, Mogakolodi (Gofaone Tiro 79), Zikhale-Moeng, Kgosiemang Ngwako

GU: Thakadu-Kenny Ledikwe (Kgosimore 60), Molokwane, Tumisang Sekanonyane, Given Mpundu-Molefe (Simanyana 54), Ofentse Nato, Mgadla  (Segaise 54), George Ohilwe-Chikomo, MaposaCautions: Simanyana 59, Nato 62, Zikhale 82, Mothatego 88

Referee: Uyapo JuliusAssistants: Thomas Molebatsi & Lucas NkuFourth official: Dintwa Dintwa.