Both teams started the first half at a low pace and only produced a handful of clear-cut chances. ECCO City nearly got an early goal in the seventh minute but Mandlaenkosi 'Sukunyetsa' Sibanda's shot went wide after receiving a good cross from Boitumelo Modisaotsile. Five minutes later, Gunners' midfielder Tshepo 'Talk Talk' Motlhabankwe's cross deflected off ECCO City's defence only to hit the cross bar before going out for a corner.
Malepa Bolelang failed to put ECCO ahead in the 22nd minute after receiving a brilliant cross from Modisaotsile who was always a threat whenever in possession with his dangerous crosses. But the prolific striker made amends in the 24th minute when he capitalised on Gunners' defensive lapse. That was after experienced defender David Tsalaile failed to make a decisive clearance only for Bolelang to snatch the ball away from him in the 18th area.
Two minutes later, ECCO goalkeeper, Michael Onkutule made a dramatic save when he tipped Finkie Mothibi's deflected shot over the bar. Gunners tried to pile pressure in search of an equaliser and Tsalaile's header from a corner kick sailed over the bar. ECCO led 1-0 at half time.
After the break, both teams once again started their game on a low note but ECCO rose to the occasion when they increased the lead in the 53rd minute. Mothusi Lesotho's cross found Under-23 midfielder Tebogo Sembowa unmarked in the penalty area and he made no mistake.
Gunners were dealt a heavy blow when their top marksman, System Mubi could not continue with the game after a head injury, which he received after colliding with ECCO captain, Bosarutweng 'Booster' Magola. The striker received treatment and returned to the pitch but had to be replaced by Obakeng Phuduhutswana in the 56th minute. Gunners made another substitution in the 78th minute when they replaced hapless Othusitse Mahube with Onthusitse Modukanele. The substitution paid dividends as the striker pulled one goal back for Gunners in the 81st minute after an interchange of good passes. Three minutes later, Modukanele's thunderous shot hit the cross bar with ECCO City's goalkeeper well beaten.
In a post match interview, ECCO City Greens' assistant coach Atshele Molapi said that he was impressed by his players' commitment. He stated that the second round is difficult, adding that he cannot blame the players for a not-so-convincing display. "At this time of the season, it is hard to play good football because all the teams are difficult to beat." He added that for the remainder, they would be taking one game at a time. "I cannot say which teams we are going to beat in the remaining games but we will try to take all of them seriously because the league could be won in the last game," he said.
In other games played on Saturday, Police XI defeated Township Rollers 2-0 in Molepoplole, TASC beat TAFIC 1-0 in Francistown. In Selebi-Phikwe, Tshepiso Molwantwa increased his chances of receiving the golden boot award when he netted twice as Notwane thrashed Nico United 3-1. BMC and Prisons XI played to a 1-1 draw.
