23 Mar 2015

Sankoyo Bush Bucks failed to take advantage of home ground in a game played at Maun Sports Complex against Notwane, salvaging only a point in a match that ended in a three-all draw on March 21.

The game started on a low note and it was not predictable as both teams appeared to be weighing each other’s strength. It seemed Sankoyo managed to calculate their opponents’ play as they frequented Notwane’s goal post.

Ngurungu’s advances appeared to have made Notwane to counter attack, scoring a brilliant goal through Lemogang Maswena in the 37th minute. Notwane’s goal rubbed Ngurungu the wrong way as they created clear cut chances that were rewarded with a goal from the team’s striker, Omatla Kebatho in the 43rd minute.

 The two teams went for a break levelled at 1-1. The beginning of the second half saw a revitalised Sankoyo dominating the game. They created many chances but failed to convert them into goals.
Sankoyo got their second goal in the 55th minute through Gaongalelwe  Dipateletso who was later substituted by Thandazane Ndlovu.

Ngurungu extended their lead in the 63rd minute when they were awarded a penalty following a Notwane defender handling the ball inside the box. Morris Ruzivo converted the penalty into a goal.

Notwane introduced Emmanuel Masisi who took the game to a different level. A last minute lapse on the Sankoyo midfield and defence led to a goal by Notwane in the 85th minute through Zebron Nbjova.

With a goal down, Notwane relentlessly attacked their opponents’ goalpost with Masisi scoring an equaliser in the 90th minute, much to the disappointment of Ngurungu supporters.

In an interview, Notwane head coach, Tiragalo Mogorosi said the game was tough, but expressed happiness that his boys did not give up. He said they were forced to make changes in the midfield as Sankoyo was putting more pressure on his boys.

He said the change worked for his side as they managed to equalize in the dying minute.For his part, coach Philani Mabhena of Sankoyo expressed disappointment noting that his boys wasted many chances. He said they could have won with a big margin in terms of goals but his boys failed to convert many chances into opportunities.

Mabhena also observed that the biggest problem on his side was goal keeping, particularly that his goalkeeper was not getting the rightful training. He said goalkeeper coaching was a special area which every team cannot do without, hence the need to secure one in future. ENDS