13 Mar 2017

Centre-back Kabo Molokwane missed a second half penalty as Mogoditshane Fighters played to a goalless draw against Notwane at Fighters ground on Saturday.

The result put a dent on both teams’ challenge for promotion with Fighters remaining in fourth place in the Debswana First Division South log standings with 28 points while Notwane slipped to sixth position with 23 points.

Fighters dominated the first 30 minutes but few scoring opportunities were created as experienced defenders Gobonyeone Selefa and Bashin Modisaotsile stood firm in the Notwane backline.

The hosts best chance of the first half arrived in the 15th minute when Malebogo Bagasi sent Gobe Maphane through on goal but the striker took too long to shoot until Brian Botsang recovered to deny him with a last ditch tackle.

Notwane nearly opened the scoring in the 41st minute with Thato Mogorosi guiding a cross from Kakanyo Kethubile just wide with a header.

The hosts were awarded a penalty four minutes into the second half after Selefa shoved tricky winger Thuso Keraetswe inside the box, but goalkeeper Thabang Motlhabai saved a weakly taken spotkick by Samba Boys’ skipper Molokwane.

Maphane then dragged an inviting opportunity wide two minutes later after being set up by Keraetswe.

Notwane seized control afterwards with Mogorosi  and Modisaotsile forcing Fighters goalkeeper Botlhe Moralo into fine saves. Midfielder Emmanuel Sekwena had a chance to seal victory in the dying minutes for Sechaba but he drilled wide from the edge of the box.

The result means that Notwane’s sloppy run continued in the second tier with just one victory from their last five matches. And chances of a return to the BTC Premiership are getting slimmer with six matches remaining.

Notwane coach George Mogopodi admitted that his team was now left with a mountain to climb to win promotion.

“I think we created chances as usual, but we missed three, four chances. Obviously if you don’t take your chances this is the resul, ” the Notwane boss said.

Though they failed to put away their chances, Fighters coach Letang Kgengwenyane maintained confidence that his team could still catch the leaders.

 “The ultimate goal for us is promotion to the Premier League. Our intention is to collect between 44 and 46 points at the end of the season,” he said. ENDS