06 Oct 2015

Selebi Phikwe -based outfit Nico United shared the spoils with Gilport Lions with a goal each in the beMOBILE Premiership encounter that was held at the Selebi Phikwe stadium recently.

Goals from both sides were scored in the first half of the game by Mathews Nyamadzabo of Gilport Lions and Christopher Musonda of Nico United. 

The game kicked off on a low note with both teams failing to make proper penetration. However as the game took shape Gilport Lions mounted pressure on the Selebi Phikwe side resulting in ‘Majombolo players making numerous fouls. This pressure resulted in Nico’s defender Nelson Moreetsi playing a rough tackle on the visitors player in goal keeper Kagiso Rankabelwa’s box. Subsequently, Moreetsi was given a yellow card for foul play.

 A penalty was awarded to Gilport Lions and Mathews Nyamadzabo who took the penalty made no mistake to give his side a 1-0 lead roughly 28 minutes into the game.

Nico came back into the game nearly 10 minutes later with Christopher Musonda scoring for his side to make it 1-1. However, the goal caused a lot of controversy as the ball went through the net and confused Gilport Lion players as they thought the ball did not go through the goals. While the conflict arose due to the controversial goal, two yellow cards were awarded to Gilport Lion players Mlungisi Ndlovu and Sekgabo Molebatsi .

Both teams went for recess at a 1-1 stale mate.

When the teams came back for second half Nico mounted pressure on the visitors who equally retaliated and made Nico know that they were not going to have it easy. 

As time went on Nico made some changes and substituted Captain Oteng Legwaila for Spencer Ngalande and Anold Mampori for Allen Ndole. Nico picked up the pace and mounted pressure on the visitors. 

Gilport Lions coach Paradzayi Mandivenga also made changes by introducing Unobatsha Mbaiwa and Edward Masole who substituted Bakang Moeng and Mlungsi Ndlovu. 

The game changed shape and the pace was increased. However, the game ended with a 1-1 draw.

In an inteview after the game coach Mandivenga said they played well especially in the first half. He said the game flowed well though he expressed concern that the refereeing was not up to scratch. However, he said he was optimistic that they would do better and strive to collect more points in the coming games.

“The league is still young and we have time to improve and bring in goals,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nico coach Wesley Mondo said that his players failed to create chances to score and give them a win. 

He said his players failed to convert opportunities into goals nevertheless he was fine with the score line explaining that a draw is better than a loss. 

In the meantime, Gilport Lions is currently on position 14 with five points while Nico United is in the 11^th position with nine points. In the next scheduled be MOBILE Premiership encounter Nico will be up against premier league giants Gaborone United at the Selebi Phikwe stadium while Gilport Lions will be up against BR Highlander at the Serowe Sport Complex. Ends