30 Mar 2015

Debswana First Division North campaigners, Amakhosi and Tafic shared the spoils by playing to a one-all draw in an entertaining fixture in Francistown on Sunday afternoon.

Tafic, who came to the game seated on position four with 31 points and aiming to topple second placed Mahalapye Hotspurs, saw a resilient Amakhosi making it difficult for them to push for a possible be Mobile Premier League promotional play-offs chance.

Another promotional play-offs contender, Green Lovers toppled Hotspurs in the third spot after their Saturday victory against Tonota FC, 12 points behind run-away leaders Miscellaneous who won against Hotspurs.

In the Amakhosi-Tafic encounter, both teams came into the match determined, but it was Tafic who looked a better side with scintillating wing attacks, only to see poor finishing by Uyapo Tibathuwe denying them golden opportunities.

The speedy winger, who played on the right and at times interchanging with left attacking winger, Bakani Kangangwani had the Amakhosi defence manned by goalkeeper Kabelo Mutumba, defenders Unami Senzeni, Nehemiah Mabulane and Phineas Marunda having a difficult time containing him.

Tibathuwe was substituted by coach, Atshele Molapi on the second half and replaced by equally enterprising Mbatshi Machongo.

Amakhosi pressure and containment of the Tafic forwards such as Allen Dewere eventually paid off as they started piling pressure through the likes of Godfrey Lemphorwana and Gothusamang Nkola.

Their efforts bore fruit as they managed to surprise the game’s favorites Tafic with a goal on the 81st minute when Otsile Sithole tapped in a beautiful cross to make it 1-0.

The goal unsettled Tafic as they started to realise that their campaign to return to top flight football might take a knock, but they soon returned to the use of flanks to throw everything at Amakhosi, who were the visitors.

On the 89th minute, Machongo was fouled on the edge of the 18-yard area, winning Tafic a free-kick in the process.

Amakhosi goalie, Mutumba did not see what hit him as Tafic’s left back Thato Mosweu left footed thunderbolt leveled matters to making it one all, sending the Matjimechenga supporters into wild celebrations.

It was a huge sigh of relief for Tafic fans while their Amakhosi counterparts watched in disbelief as to how they let a possible three points slip through their fingers.