16 Oct 2016

Although it is too early to tell, with the second batch of the Debswana North First Division (FDN) games played this weekend, Francistown outfit, Tafic has stepped forward to present its name as possible title contenders.
They did this in style on Saturday (October 15) at the old Francistown Stadium when they thrashed new comers to the league, Chobe United by 2-1 goals to take their points to four.
Matjimenyenga, as the Ghetto side is called by its die-hard fans proved too much to handle for the Chobe side, affectionately called Maraga Kwena, when they netted a goal in both halves to win the encounter and pocket maximum points.
Both sides came into the game without a loss as Tafic drew two all with Sua Flamingoes while Chobe United trounced fellow league rookies, Morupule Wanderers 3-1. So when the two sides met, victory was essential to send a clear message to their supporters of the intention for the 2016/17 season, which is seeking automatic promotion to the BTC Premiership.
Chobe proved to be a side in desperate need to settle in the second half, to ensure the away encounter does not become a one-sided affair in favor of Tafic, who were playing in front of their home supporters.
They seemed a side intent on winning the game earlier on the first half with strikers such as Keabetswe Batunda and Modise Kenewang, but as is always the case, the game can only be won after the referee whistles the last at the end.  It was such a combination that led to Tafic’s first goal in referees’ additional time of the first half on the 47th minute after a goal-mouth melee, when Thibathuwe scored, beating Chobe goalkeeper, Ontiretse Moalosi sprawled on the turf.
Then in the second half, Tafic continued where they left off, but did also allow Chobe to come back into the game. Tafic goalie, Abednico Morapedi, went out of his line on the 58th minute with his flying kicks, injuring and taking out in the process, Chobe striker Phineas Kgotlang.
The tussle eventually led to Morapedi being substituted by Chamu Madamombe after the injury stopped him from continuing with the game.
On the 90th minute, a corner-kick led to Chobe defenders handling inside the box, giving away a penalty, and defender Ronald Selemane stepped up to make it 2-0. A few minutes before referee Solomon Toitoi could blow the final whistle, Madamombe followed on the steps of his goalkeeper colleague and came with kicks flying; bring down Batunda inside the box and earning a yellow card and giving out a penalty to Chobe. Kago Basupi stepped up to pull one back, making the game end 2-1 in favour of Tafic. ENDS