16 Mar 2015

Township Rollers have proceeded to the Mascom Top 8 final after beating BDF XI 2-1 at the National Stadium on March 13.

The results saw Rollers advancing to the competition’s final on a 4-2 aggregate after beating BDF XI 2-1 in the first leg.

For Mapalastina, it was more of revenge in the competition’s semi-final encounter after BDF XI aka Matebele denied them the Mascom Top 8 trophy last year, after a 5-4 victory on penalties.

On March 13 night, it would seem Mapalastina had a score to settle and made their intentions clear that they were determined to boot Matebele out of the prestigious competition. In what seemed a physical and high tempo encounter, both sides were very cautious and avoided conceding an early goal.

However, that Matebele needed to at least win two nil to proceed to the final, it became evident that they were under immense pressure and tried hard to move forward. They also relied much on aerial balls and that did not work for them.

Their chance for a goal came in the 16th minute when they were awarded a free kick but was wasted by Othusitse Mpharitlhe despite having been well positioned. Four minutes later, Rollers were also awarded a free kick but Tshepo Motlhabankwe also decided to put it off target.

As the game progressed, BDF XI tried hard to move forward searching for a goal, but lack of composure in the box cost them dearly. The game went for recess goalless. After recess, one would have thought both coaches would change tactics and game approach, but that was not the case.

Nevertheless, it was until the 57th minute when Rollers introduced Jerome Louis for Jerome Ramatlhakwana and the former combined well with Dirang Moloi upfront.

In the 79th minute, Louis unleashed a killer pass which was well received by Dirang Moloi who tapped it past BDF XI’s Takudzwa Ndoro to put Mapalastina in a one nil lead. While that compelled the BDF XI camp to counter, Rollers on the other hand resorted to defending their goal in large numbers at the back.

Ten minutes later, Mapalastina won a set piece; taken by Dirang well and finished by Louis with a header to make it 2-0 hence putting the game far beyond the reach  of Matebele. However, Matebele could not end the game without pulling one back, and it was in the referee’s optional time, when Master Masitara who came in as a substitute, scored to make it 2-1.

BDF XI coach, Letang Kgwengwenyane said in a post-match interview that they lost the game because his players did not rise to the occasion.

On the other hand, Rollers gaffer, Madinda Ndlovu thanked his players for the brave fight against the BDF XI camp. Ndlovu indicated that the results proved wrong those who thought their win in the first round was as a result of luck. Meanwhile results for the clash between Gaborone United and Nico United for the slot in the final were not available at press time. GU went into the clash with a one nil advantage from the first meet. ENDS