The two sides meet tomorrow for the third time in three weeks at the Molepolole Sports Complex, in what promises to be an interesting fixture if their past encounters are anything to go by. Both Nlu and Murwirwa missed ECCO's 3-2 loss to Chiefs in the quarter-finals of the Coca-Cola Cup with injuries last Saturday. Nlu's absence in particular was visible as his side conceded the second and third goals. While Chiefs' first goal was solely a result of Kekaetswe Moloi's brilliance where he managed to shield the ball away from defender, Keabetswe Jenamiso, before turning and unleashing a powerful shot. The last two goals were scored mainly because of defensive lapses by ECCO. In the second goal, Chiefs' winger, Joel Mogorosi, rose high-unmarked and headed home with ECCO defence found wanting. The third goal came as a result of failed clearances by ECCO defence and Galabgwe Moyana received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and powered it past Chimunorwa Madamombe. Nlu's return could give ECCO the defensive edge, although they will have to deal with the league's two proven goal scorers, Mogorosi and Moloi.
The two giants played to a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Francistown. While the game was fiercely contested, ECCO missed numerous opportunities to score. Both sides are well aware of the importance of scoring in this match: Any scoring draw will see ECCO advancing to the final. This past weekend, Chiefs defence looked suspect too, despite the return of Arnold Chaka. They only looked better after the introduction of Michael Mogaladi in the midfield, who replaced Elijah Montsho. An interesting duel is expected once again between two Zebras players, Mogorosi and Ontse Ntesa. Ntesa has managed to contain Mogorosi in the past two encounters until he moved to the other side of the wing. It is in the middle of park where another interesting fight is expected between Zecco Makafiri and Dirang Moloi. Moloi has shown a bit of improvement as far as his fitness level is concerned. On his day, he can unlock any team with his passes.
