13 Nov 2016

Debswana First Division North (FDN) rookies, Chobe United, proved to be a hard nut to crack for experienced Ecco City Greens by holding them to a two-all draw in a league fixture in Francistown on Saturday.
Ecco, playing hosts to the Chobe outfit came into the game after a 4-0 thumping away to Motlakase and their supporters had expected Mamoja Diski to put behind the past weekend misery by walking all over Chobe United.
But that was not to be as the Kgotlayame Disele drilled boys matched Texan Phiri’s boys pound for pound, with excellent displays from the likes of Modise Kenewang, Keabetswe Batunda and Thatayaone Sonny.
Ecco had started the game on a mean mood and their efforts were rewarded on the 16th minute when Pontsho ‘Piro’ Sephutho combined well with long serving Nicholas ‘Mambush’ Matlhare, with the latter opening the score sheet beating Ontiretse Moalosi in Chobe United goalposts to send their supporters into wild celebrations.
From that goal, Ecco seemed as if they will be having it easy against the league’s new comers, but that was not to be, coupled with wasted opportunities by their lanky striker Thabiso ‘Ndlela’ Bante.
Bante missed what could have been his side’s second goal when he failed to connect with a header a well calculated cross from Victor Puoeng.
Chobe United’s Bakani Madaisa received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Gaboratanelwe ‘Radio’ Kgosietsile while Ecco’s Frank Jimmy also received a booking for rough tackling John Mundia.
In the second half, Chobe United started to send in the likes of Batunda and Sonny forward searching for an equalizer, but met a resolute Ecco defence manned by the likes of Mosimanegape Mokiya and Moses Maphondo.
Then on the 50th minute, Chobe United’s Mundia chest trapped a beautiful cross and hit in a low shot, which beat Ecco goalie Boitumelo Sematla to make it one all.
But Ecco were quick to reply on the 52nd minute through a well-taken free-kick outside the 18 yard area by crafty midfielder Cosmos Sebona to make it 2-1.
They looked like they had the game under control as they continued to have Chobe United defence on its toes, with Moalosi being forced at one point to go off his line and dribble past three Ecco players to clear danger.
But the visitors had other thoughts and wanted to spoil the day for Phiri’s boys when Batunda beat Maphondo for pace and easily slotted his side’s equalizer on the 75th minute.
The goal took some steam off Ecco as they did not see it coming, especially when they thought they would be able to salvage a win at home.
In other Debswana games played on Saturday, Real Movers thumped FC Satmos 4-3, while Maun Tigers drew with Motlakase nil-all and Great North Tigers drew with BR Highlanders one-all. BOPA