It was GU’s second successive win having defeated Miscellaneous on Wednesday. Gunners, who also won their midweek match against Sankoyo Bush Bucks, could not maintain their rhythm yesterday under scorching heat. GU caught the visitors off guard as early as the third minute with Zebras striker, Orebonye slotting past Tladinyane although it appeared the latter should have done better to stop the goal. Tladinyane’s positioning looked suspect and GU capitalised. Five minutes later, Orebonye made another attempt after being setup by Dirang Moloi but this time his effort went slightly over the bar. Gunners failed to create clear cut chances in the first half with most of their few attacks caught off side. Lone striker, Kenanao Kgetholetsile looked isolated upfront which made it easier for GU defence, marshalled by Edwin Bonsu, to deal with.
Four minutes before halftime, Gunners goalkeeper Tladinyane nearly made a grave mistake when he failed to handle Kabelo Seakanyeng’s free kick into the box. Fortunately his defender, Leteng Legopelo was in the right position at the right time and made a decisive clearance before GU players could pounce on the loose ball. With Gunners still struggling to find the right openings, they introduced Thabo Metlhayotlhe and Emmanuel Sekwena for Letlhogonolo Mosala and Ofentse Mmipi respectively. Mmipi, usually reliable, struggled for fluency while Mosala also hardly made any threatening moves on the wing, leaving Kgetholetsile isolated upfront. Gunners added numbers upfront following the duo’s introduction but they just could not trouble GU goalkeeper, Goitseone Phoko with GU defence clearing everything coming their way. The victory left GU coach, Rodolfo Zapata delighted and said it was well deserved considering the type of football they played. He said his plan was to control the game in the midfield hence he picked mostly attacking players. Gunners coach, Itumeleng Duiker on the other hand said they tried their best despite the loss. He lamented the state of the pitch which he said contributed to the goal. He said if the pitch was level and up to standard, Orebonye’s effort would have gone outside. “That ball was going out only to hit a hump and take another direction,” he said. He, however said they will go back and work on their mistakes.
