14 Sep 2014

Uniao Flamingo Santos’ winless start to the Debswana First Division south campaign continued as they allowed Prisons XI to snatch a 2-2 draw in Mogoditshane on Saturday, September 13.

Relegated Santos dominated the first half and grabbed the lead at Mogoditshane Fighters ground when midfielder Lebogang Jabari scored a long range goal in the 23^rd minute.

Eric Molefhi doubled the lead ten minutes later after controlling a freekick inside the box and slotting past goalkeeper Andrew Race with the Prisons defence guilty of poor marking, but Santos were unable to hold onto their advantage.

Midfielder Taelo Nthomiwa started the Warders’ fight back five minutes before halftime with a curling freekick that flew past Santos goalkeeper Tshepho Kgotlamotho.

Later, some schoolboy defending by Boy Mokgweetsi and Abueng Tlamelo seven minutes into the second half allowed veteran striker Tatenda Mbikiwa to latch onto a long pass and draw Prisons level.

Prisons then took control of the match and could even have stolen a late winner had Gaolebale Tshelametsi not ballooned a wonderful opportunity over the bar from a well-flight freekick by Patrick Bonang.

Santos were left near the foot of the log with a single point following their poor start to the campaign.

After getting relegated to second-tier football after eight consecutive seasons in the Premier League, Santos are among favourites to win the First Division this season and secure an instant return to the top flight.

However, they seem to be finding things tough after losing a number of key players during the transfer window, and are still searching for their first victory after two matches, having lost 1-0 to Mogoditshane Fighters the previous weekend.

Players like strikers Senatla Molefe and Vincent Ndzombe, defender Gogontle Marumo, Nno Sebolaanoga, Michael Pillar and Tilly Setlhako have joined other clubs.

In other Debswana First Division south matches, Jwaneng Galaxy defeated Black Peril 3-2, Black Forest beat Ghanzi Terrors 1-0, while rookies Lesirane City held Mogoditshane Fighters to a goalless draw in a Mogoditshane derby. ENDS