Orapa Topple Gunners Again

47121,Koketso Kgoboge,, | Saturday May 21, 2016 00:00

As expected, Daniel ‘Chicco’ Nare played his cards close to his chest with a cautious approach but Madinda Ndlovu’s men had diverse ideas. The Ostriches played openly and attacked at any instance and were constantly knocking at the Gunners end. Against the run of play, Mapantsula had two glorious opportunities Boitshoko Zikhale leaving Gunners faithfuls with their hands on their heads after shooting wide.

Mapantsula had a strong penalty appeal turned down after Kgololo Kgogobi appeared to have been clipped after intelligently turning a defender inside the box but the referee was not interested. Amid Gunners chances, the Ostriches produced a constant spark with the Mapantsula defence on its toes.

Straight from the dugout, the Ostriches broke the Gunners’ resilience. Leteng Legopelo was penalised for a push on Zebron Njobvu inside the box and Nyumasi buried the resulting spot kick with a spectacular dinking shot into the left corner.

Ostriches controlled the second half with speed and industry. They were also quick to retreat and cancelled Mapantsula out at a snap, which impressed their coach. “The boys were too powerful, they applied the aspect of speed and reaction very well, it’s what we did the whole week,” Ndlovu said.

Just about the hour mark Lemogang Maswena struck. On the 57th minute, Maswena escaped his guard and connected well with Kealeboga Molebatsi’s corner at the near post to send the orange nation into delirium.

After the goal Orapa took the foot off the pedal removing danger man, Nyumasi and then watched hapless Gunners toil to the last whistle.

“We had our game wrapped up when we scored the second goal and we put the game on cruise control to the finish. We were better in all aspects,” Ndlovu said.

Nare rued missed opportunities in the first half and the penalty appeal but admitted they failed to find their groove in the second half. “We had good opportunities that could have given us the advantage in the first half but we were unfortunate,” he said. “In the second half we were just pedestrians and they were dominant. At the end, they were deserving winners. We will go back and focus.”

 

 

Orapa United (0) 2 (Nyumasi 46th, Maswena 57th)

Extension Gunners 0

Orapa United: Kaelo Joseph, Kealeboga Molebatsi, Olekantse Mambo, Emmanuel Nlu, Lesenya Ramoraka, Kemmy Pilato, Tendai Nyumasi (Khumoetsile Kufigwa), Ronald Chikomo, Patrick Lenyeletse (Baboloki Makhura), Lemogang Maswena, Zebron Ndjobvu (Obonye Moswate)

Gunners: Michael Pepukani, Mmoloki Kebalepile, Oabile Makopo, Desire Bafana, Leteng Legopelo, Wazha Seleka, Kutlwelo Mpolokang, Mandla Mgadla (Thabo Metlhayotlhe), Boitshoko Zikhale (Emmanuel Machinya), Bonno Mosea (Thabiso Mabachi), Kgololo Kgogobi

Cautions: Legopelo, Seleka