22 Feb 2015

It was Tebogo Sembowa and Benson Shilongo second-half goals that gave Gaborone United a 2-1 victory over Nico United in a Mascom Top 8 first leg of the semi-final game played at the National Stadium on Saturday, February 21.

Although, Selibe Phikwe based side dominated the first half of the game, they failed to utilise their scoring opportunities, given that had they planned well they could have finished with GU in the first stanza, but lack of composure failed them.

During the first half, Nico United players Richard Legwaila, Khumoetsile Kufigwa and Mogomotsi Samsom, proved that they were a class by displaying their dazzling football passes and good moves.

On the 39th minute of the game, a good move between Nelson Moreetsi, and Samson who crossed to Christopher Musonda failed to produce a goal, after they were let down by Musonda who could not do simple basics in the box.

Nico continued to pile more pressure on the “Reds” and just some few seconds before half time, Shabby Nsogamali unleashed a foot cross to Kufigwa, and their good attempt was thwarted by GU goal keeper, Goitseone Phoko who was a marvel to watch.

The game went into a recess without a goal, however it was only after the break that ‘Money Machine’ came invigorated, as they began to play with a sense of urgency, and again they changed their first half approach.

In addition, the introduction of Ntesang ‘Mirror’ Simanyana who came in for Mandla Mgadla immediately after half time, helped the host and subsequently changed the whole complexion of the game. 

On the 54th minute Tebogo Sembowa opened the score sheet for GU making it 1-0.

The goal brought back confidence in GU players as they started to attack Nico like hungry predators, and on the 64th minute Shilongo’s good attempt was saved by Nico keeper, Edwin Mokibe who saved a lot of attacks on the day, was it not for him, Moyagoleele could have scored avalanche of goals in the second half.

Although Mokibe was their obstacle, they never lost hope; they continued visiting his goal post and their no retreat, no surrender attitude paid dividends on the 66th minute when Shilongo scored the second goal for Moyagolele to make it 2-1.

Nico United tried to retaliate, but alas that was not the case, because now GU defence and goalkeeper were always cautious when Nico were on the attack mode.

However, on the 80th minute of the game, GU defenders were now caught napping or maybe they undermined, Onkabetse Makgantai when they left him unguarded sprinting from the middle of the pitch alone, till he punished them by making it 2-1.

After the game, Nico United coach, Wesly Mondo said his players fought well in an away game but they were only let down by concentration lapse. 

He said he was happy that they managed for force an away goal as it would be critical going forward with the competition.
 

He however said in the second leg, which would be played in Phikwe, as the host they would enjoy the home ground advantage and for them to proceed with the tournament they would just need a 1nil win against GU.

“When we play at home, we are going to be more offensive, and we will try to change players here and there, look, our game plan was not to concede, we wanted to be a bit cautious, so that they don’t score us, unfortunately it worked well in the first half, and lost it a bit in the second half,” he said.

GU coach, Rahman Gumbo said the game was typically cup game, adding that at least the game plan worked on the day. 

He said their plan was to get insurance goals to take into the second leg which he said according to him would be a totally different game.
 

He said it would be suicidal for them to go to Phikwe and defend the one goal, adding their plan was be on an attacking mode so that they end up moving to another stage of the competition.  

The second leg of the competition will be played in Selibe Phikwe on March 15. ENDS