21 Dec 2014

Lack of composure and complacency from both Gaborone United and Township Rollers saw the two playing to a one all draw, in a be Mobile Premier League game in on Saturday, December 20.

During Rollers' attack on the third minute, Jerome Louis attempt was thwarted by Gaborone Unite keeper, Goitseone Phoko who forced a corner kick, but Popa failed to utilise it. On the 24th minute, Motsholetsi Sikele could have opened score sheet for Rollers but failed to compose himself in the box.

GU’s Benson Chilongo, tried to come to the party on the 39th minute, left only with the goal keeper to beat, but instead he ballooned the ball over the posts. The reds continued to pile more pressure on Mapalastina's shaky defense but their good efforts from the back, could not bear any fruits because the striking force was isolated.

The game went into recess, with the score sheet reading zero on both side, and after break, one would have thought GU would capitalise on Rollers defense weakness, but alas that was not the case. On the 58th minute, Louis scored the first goal that put Popa on the lead.

The goal seemed to have motivated Mapalastina as they continued to move forward looking to increase their goals, and hardly two minutes after that goal, was Segolame Boy’s good attempt halted by GU goalkeeper.

On the 70 minute, GU were awarded a penalty, which captain Edwin Olerile converted to level the scores. The goal brought GU back into the game and were determined to increase the tally, but most of their chances went wide or hit the crossbar.

GU were denied a goal on the 77th minute, as it was ruled as an off side, and the game ended with one all draw. The results meat that Rollers ended the first round at the top of the log with 37 points.

In a post-match interview, GU coach Rahman Gumbo said he was not happy with referee decision on the day, he said his team was denied a clear goal. “That’s a day light robbery, that was a clear goal,” he said

Rollers, assistant coach, Teenage Mpote said his side failed to play, because they were a bit shaky as they could not construct some passes. He said on the second half they tried to change to bring the players into the game, adding that did not materialise. ends