11 Apr 2016

Gaborone United proved to be difficult visitors to Jwaneng Galaxy when they defeated their hosts 2-1 in a be Mobile Premiership game on Saturday.

Like a preying lion, the Gaborone giants displayed a lukewarm performance at the beginning of the game allowing their opponents to be hopeful until a goal attempt by Thero Setsile was met by a robust GU defence.

Galaxy increased pressure at the goal posts but yet another beautiful pass by Setsile went to waste when Tshepo Borake converted it into a weak head attempt in the 21st minute of the first half. 

Nonetheless, the Jwaneng side managed to register the first goal of the game in the dying minutes of the first half through Kagiso Molapi.

GU came out with guns blazing in the second stanza. Perhaps with fear to be displaced from a comfortable fifth position, the visitors increased the tempo of the game by first substituting Botshelo Lerato with Moatlhodi Ralesota.

They started distributing more organised passes, which bore fruit when Godwin Bonsu scored the equalizing goal. 

They continued with the same attacking mood but they immediately missed another goal opportunity when the new substitute mistakenly cleared it away from the  goalpost.

As the game was gaining momentum, Galaxy made their first substitution replacing Olebogeng Malebye with Morris Ruzivo. GU also followed suit by substituting Kabelo Seakanyeng with Jackson Lesole. 

Immediately, the latter’s goal attempt by Tshepo Maikano proved unsuccessful as the Galaxy keeper ferried it outside the pitch creating a corner kick for the Gaborone side.

Even though GU was proving to be a stronger side in the second half as evidenced by ball possession, Galaxy still portrayed a high level of fighting spirit. Unfortunately for them, an attempt by Borake was met by a strong GU defence.

Benson Shilongo created a lead for GU when he capitalized on a well-executed counter attack in the 83rd minute. While the stadium went to an uproar, his second immediate visit to the goal post proved futile as the keeper defied his purpose this time around. 

The substitution of Setsile by Pako Gaofose and Karabo Phiri by Edwin Olerile did not change the scoreboard for both teams until the referee blew the final whistle.

GU coach Rodolfo Zapata said he was impressed by the excellent tactical game that they played.

He said their approach of nice and easy passes has bore them fruit even though Galaxy was a tough opponent. 

He noted that his intention was now to give young talent the opportunity in preparation for the next season. 

“As a big team, GU should work towards the championship in the next season,” he said.

Jwaneng Galaxy’s coach Philani Mabhena said even though they were punished for their own mistakes in the second half, they still had a chance to cement their position in the top 8 of the league. 

He said they started well and created very good chances which resulted in their sole goal registered in the first half. 

He, however, was disappointed that GU capitalized on a back pass which they gave away. Ends