27 Oct 2015

Black Rangers winger, Isiah Tika scored a late goal in the second half to hand Tsabong rookies their first win of the season in a match played on Saturday in Tsabong.

Despite mundane display in the first half by both teams, Sharps seemed hungry to register a win and redeem themselves from the heavy defeat it suffered at the hands of Notwane last week.

However, Rangers well marshalled defence thwarted attempts by Sharps to send long balls. The game went to half-time with both sides keeping clean sheets.

In the opening 10 minutes of the second half, the home side surged forward and mounted a lot of pressure on their opponents.  Rangers full back, Kekopile Kolagano’s decisive passing and agency was a marvel to watch.

However, it was Sharps who nearly took a surprise lead in the 49^th minute when Modiredi Motlhamme dribbled past Rangers goalkeeper, Moabi Gabankalafe only for Thato Osenoneng to clear the ball off the goalline.

Against the run of play, Black Rangers scored in the 73^th minute through Tika's header from close range.

Sharps came close to finding an equaliser in the 82^nd minute when Rangers shot stopper failed to deal with a shot from a dead ball attempt only for Motlhamme to shoot wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Speaking during the post match interview, the losing coach, Wilfred Mahaja said his boys missed too many chances which they could have converted. He added that losing was part of the game and that he was confident that his charges would bounce back.

Black Rangers coach, Onalenna Osenne highlighted that the game was difficult in the first half as Sharps were good on the ball.

 He said during the break, he instructed his players to exploit the space that Sharps left in the midfield when attacking. 

In addition, the optimistic Osenne said the win would lift players morale. Ends