22 Nov 2015

Daniel ‘Chicco Dance’ Nare’s winless run as Extension Gunners coach continued on Friday night at the National Stadium as Mapantsula succumbed to a 1-3 loss to Orapa United.

It took extra time for the Ostriches to dispatch of the Peleng Glamour Boys; the score line on the night contributing to a 4-2 aggregate victory in the Mascom Top 8 quarterfinal tie.

Having drawn 1-1 away at Orapa’s Itekeng Stadium fortress two weeks earlier, Gunners entered the second leg knowing that even a 0-0 draw would be good enough to secure a semifinal berth on the away goal rule

But it was not to be. Clearly dominant in the first 15 minutes, and for a brief second half spell after Moemedi ‘Jomo’ Moatlhaping’s penalty equaliser, Gunners were outplayed overall over the 120 minutes.

Madinda Ndlovu’s Orapa side were full value of their 3-1 win; Patrick Lenyeletse, Ronald Chikomo and man of the match Lemogang ‘Ntoche’ Maswena’s goals just the icing on the cake of an overall good performance by the visitors.

Gunners, buoyed by a big crowd at their traditional eastern ‘Panda’ stand, begun the contest playing neat touches, attempting to link up play with Moemedi ‘Jomo’ Moatlhaping and Pako Gaofose in forward positions.

But after that dominant opening 15 minute period, Gunners seemed to lose their carpet football composure, as both sides started resorting to long balls, which seemed to benefit Orapa, who required only a few touches to get to attack the opposing goal with pace.

Orapa’s lively left back Lesenya Ramoraka tested Gunners goal minder Wagarre ‘Waxy’ Dikago with a teasing shot midway through the first half, and Madinda Ndlovu’s men were gaining the ascendancy.

Mandlenkosi ‘Sukunyetsa’ Sibanda spurned two gilt edged chances as Orapa took full control of the tie towards the end of the first half.  He shot wide before an open net after his team mates had cleverly played a ball behind the advancing Dikago in the 31st minute, and a minute later hit the upright with a powerful shot from the edge of the box.

Sibanda was part of Orapa’s lively quartet threatening Gunners’ goal; his striking partner, former ECCO City Greens team mate Lenyeletse, Chikomo, who played in attacking midfield behind the two forwards, as well as the menacing Maswena on the wing all proved a handful.

The Ostriches got their due reward in the 37th minute when Lenyeletse opened the scoring, making it 1-0 to Orapa on the night and granting them a 2-1 aggregate lead.

It stayed 1-0 until the recess, and Gunners knew Lenyeletse had thrown a spanner in their works; their good work in the away tie undone.

Into the second stanze, Gunners went in search of the equalizer and after a penalty box infringement Referee Tirelo Mositwane awarded Mapantsula a penalty in the 54 minute.

Moatlhaping calmly stepped up to tuck the spot kick away, taking the tie to 1-1 on the night, 2-2 on aggregate, the only score line that would necessitate extra time and penalties, as both sides were tied with the same number of away goals (one apiece).

With their fans cheering them on, Gunners were revived, but Orapa remained resolute, and the two sides started attacking each other with intent.  But heavy rain and windy conditions forced the referee to stop play towards the end of the second half.

Thankfully, the heavens cleared and play resumed, the game ending 1-1 over the 90 minutes, forcing extra time.

In the opening minutes of extra time, Tshegofatso Chimuku came close to scoring for Gunners, his low shot forcing a point blank save from Orapa goalkeeper Mosimanegape Robert.  But in the end, Orapa proved just too strong, Chikomo and Maswena grabbing the goals that won the game.

For Gunners, it is back to focusing on the league, where they will want to change a worrisome ‘static statistic’ of having had 13 points since their Match Day Six draw away to Miscellaneous on September 9.

Mapantsula have lost their last seven league games in a row since then, their points remaining static at 13, but their league position in a free fall from being top of the log after winning their first four games in a row, to their current lowly position 13.

Football neutrals will understand the importance of having a big club with a rich history and large following like Gunners doing well. Mapantsula clearly add excitement to the league when they are on form, both with their entertaining football and the crowds they bring to stadiums.

Full credit to Orapa, second on the log and through to the Mascom Top 8 semis; a good run that begun last season as premier league rookies under coach Maxwell ‘Malume’ Moyo continuing apace this term under his Zimbabwean counterpart Ndlovu. Ends