Africa-Press – Botswana. Since Jwaneng Galaxy have cemented their Premier League championship spot, the race for the second spot between Township Rollers and Gaborone United has become interesting with only two points separating the city rivals.
Gaborone United edged Matebele 2-1 in an exciting game played at the Dinaledi Academy Stadium on April 28 to edge closer to the second spot. While Moyagoleele has discovered its winning formula, which has seen them accumulate maximum points in two consecutive games, it has been a roller coast ride for Popa.
Rollers lost their game against GU a week ago, and played to a one-all draw against Orapa United, hence finding themselves in a precarious situation of giving up their second spot to their rivals.
GU is currently on position three with 47 points from 23 games while Rollers is second with 49 points from equal number of games.
GU’s game against Matebele had all the ingredients of a thriller as Moyagoleele gaffer, Pontsho Moloi picked his best 11 side to face a very unpredictable side, which is known for beating football giants. Although they beat the Kgatleng-based side 5-nil in the first round, they nonetheless did not want to undermine their opponents and took the game to them immediately after the referee signaled the beginning of the game.
GU attacked their opponents from all flanks and in the middle but they could not find the back of the net due to alertness of the Matebele defence. They had two clear chances, which were cleared off the line. Matebele were the first to break the ice as they launched a counter attack, taking advantage of GU’s Ronel Manyanga’s weakness in the left flank.
Manyanga’s constant running up in attack exposed his side’s defence and because of the high pace, he was not able to drop and assist. An unmarked Macartney Nawaseb was equally waiting for a cross, which gave Matebele a one-nil lead at half time. In the second half, GU came out of the tunnel a more determined side and Mothusi Johnson’s freekick was deflected and gave his side a reason to celebrate.
Moyagoleele continued piling pressure on their opponents and 15 minutes into the second half, substitute Albert Nyamutsaka claimed the winning goal although a cross from Sheikh Sesay, which was already heading towards the net.
GU could have buried their opponents in an avalanche of goals. In one instance, Molaodi Tlhalefang’s shot was stopped by goalkeeper Karamelo Kgosipula who put his full body on the way. Matebele tried to get an equalising goal and had few opportunities, but as the game progressed, they became more desperate, which saw them laying aerial balls in their opponents box, which did not threaten Moyagoleele. At the end, GU pocketed three points and Matebele are now in position 11 with 25 points, three points above the relegation zone with seven games left.
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