ECCO, Centre chiefs share spoils in Mascom top 8

CHAKALISA DUBE
Staff Writer | Monday June 18, 2012 00:00

 

Ecco though, had an upper hand over the  star studded Centre Chiefs. Led by enterprising Zambian attacker Tendai Nyumasi, ECCO threatened the visitors' goalie Mmopoloki Sephekolo for most of the proceedings. ECCO who will have themselves to blame for not winning the encounter after creating numerous scoring opportunities could have found the lead in the 18th minute. Sephekolo was called to duty as Mmoloki Kafuku  tried with a long range shot after a neat exchange in the middle of the park by ECCO.

ECCO again could have gone into the lead two minutes later when  the exciting Lovermore Murwira combined well with Nyumasi. However, the  former BMC left winger's weaker shot was calmly collected by Sephokolo. Centre Chiefs who struggled to penetrate the intact ECCO defence marshalled by Captain Emmanuel Nlu, came close to netting in the 27th minute.  An off form Kekaetswe Mara Moloi combined well with his namesake Pontsho Moloi ,but sent his shot over the bar with the goalkeeper to beat.

Moments later, Patrick Lenyeletse would squander another glorious opportunity for Ecco  after he was set up by Kafuku.  In the early minutes of the second half Mara Moloi was again released by Pontsho, but the Zebras striker disappointed, shooting straight at ECCO goalie Chamunorwa Madamombe. In  the 77th minute Lenyeletse was again unlucky not to score. His shot hit the post with Sephekolo well beaten, before being cleared away  by Captain, Mpoeleng Mpoeleng.

Lack of composure by ECCO strikers was again evident in the 81st minute.Lenyeletse's header went over the bar with Sephekolo to beat after a neat cross by Kafuku.  The striker was again unlucky to find the back of the net in the dying minutes of the game when his shot went over the bar after combining well with substitute Nicholas Matlhare.

In the 90th minute Nyumasi had another glorious chance after intercepting a poor clearance from Michael Mogaladi. His shot went over the bar. In the referee's optional time Joel Mogorosi who was cdenied by the Ecco goal-keeper after bursting through.

The teamsCentre Chiefs: Mmopoloki Sephekolo, Mpoeleng Mpoeleng, Joel Mogorosi,Elvis Meleka,Tshepho Mothabankwe, Pontsho Moloi,Othusitse Pilane,Galabwe Moyana (Dirang Moloi 88) ,Kekaetswe Mara Moloi(Botlhe Ringo Rankgomo 72),Michael Mogaladi,Thabiso Khunwane (Elijah Montsho 50) Coach: Madinda Ndlovu

ECCO: Chamunorwa Madamombe, Trinity Nko, Ontse Ntesa Keabetswe Jenamiso ,Emanuel Nlu (captain), Zeco  Makafiri,Mmoloki Kafuku,Tendai Nyumasi,Patrick Lenyeletse,Malepa Bolelang (Nicholas Matlhare 73)Lovemore Murwira

Coach: Atshele MolapiCaution: MogorosiReferee: Omphile PuthegoAssistant referees: Moletlanyi Keoagile, Meshack Medupi Fourth official: Joshua Bondo