23 Feb 2016

Orapa United and BDF IX shared the spoils in the first leg of Mascom Top 8 Cup at Itekeng Stadium on Saturday.

It was a game of two halves as  Matebele dominated the first stanza while the Ostriches enjoyed more possession in the second half.

BDF XI were in a confident mood in the first half, holding and spreading the ball well as they tried to unlock the Ostriches defence through Patrick Kaunda and Takunda Sadiki.

Scoring chances remained hard to come by for the home side. However, Lemogang Maswena slotted home but his attempt was ruled offside.

Despite their misfiring throughout the first quarter of the game, the Army side opened the scoring through Kaunda who connected a cross from the left-wing to put Matebele ahead.

The Ostriches tried to respond through Olekantse Mambo, but the defenders headed ball came off the goalpost.

The visitors dominated the first half and Orapa United goalkeeper Mosimanegape Robert was tasted on a few occasions. 

Matebele were unlucky not to increase their tally as Sadiki’s chip over Robert was cleared off the line by United captain Thabang Mosige.

The first half went into recess with BDF XI leading 1-0. 

In the second half, the home side started like a house on fire  with Ronald Chikomo levelling matters after a pinpoint pass from Patrick Motsepe.

The Ostriches pilled more pressure on the visitors looking for a second goal, but the defence of BDF XI was up to the  task.

The visitors seemed to struggle in the second stanza and they resorted to a defensive formation which put them under pressure as the home side took the game to them.

United’s defence was solid in the second half as Olekantse Mambo had the better of Sadiki. 

The Ostriches had a chance o take the lead through the on form Patrick Lenyeletse, but his shot was calmly dealt with by BDF XI shot stopper, Mampule Masule.

Both teams made tactical changes as they introduced all their substitutes.

Onkabetse Makgantai made an impact for Orapa United after being introduced and forced Masule to work overtime in the goalposts.

And although the 1-1 all draw favours BDF XI going into the second leg, Orapa should not be ruled out considering that the drew with Extension Gunners in the first leg in Orapa, but won in Lobatse. 

Mambo wrapped the day by winning man of the match and pocketing P3 500.

BDF IX coach, Beston Chambeshi said he was happy with the result and that his boys played according to instructions.   

Orapa United coach, Madinda Ndlovu said BDF XI controlled the first half, but that they managed to respond in the second half, adding that they will be prepared for the second leg. Ends