22 May 2017

Uniao Flamingo Santos have a slim advantage in the premier league promotion playoffs after beating Motlakase Power Dynamos 1-0 in the first leg on Saturday.

Substitute striker Tumelo Sentle broke Motlakase’s resistance with a 90th minute goal after Santos dominated the encounter at a fully packed Jet Fighters ground in Gabane.

Santos could have won by a wider margin had they utilised their chances after attacking the visitors goalmouth persistently in the first half.

They missed two early opportunities through Kagiso Medupe while Bosa Mokgweetsi came close to opening the scoring, but sent a free header from a pinpoint cross by Eric Molefi wide in the 21st minute.

Motlakase were content to sit back and absorb pressure, but their defence was lethargic and had to rely on goalkeeper Kagiso Rankabekwa to bail them out on several occasions.

The goalkeeper pulled off a great save from Mokgweetsi in the closing stages of the first half.

Mokgweetsi had a goal ruled offside early in the second half before Rankabekwa saved a powerful shot from Modise Sifo.

Even though Motlakase were defensive minded throughout they still showed glimpses of a good attacking team through neat combinations by Itumeleng Mabuaaeme, Kealeboga Oitsile, Ronny Leagetse and Thapelo Chabalala who scuffed their best chance in the second half.

Coach Agang Mogotsi said after the match that they intend to turn the tables on their rivals in the second leg in Palapye.

“We are still in it, we have another game to play in Palapye. It was always going to be difficult here in Gabane. We managed to absorb pressure until the very last minute. Obviously in Palapye we are going to go in an all out attack because it is a knock out game and we are behind. We have to win it to go through,” Mogotsi said.

Santos assistant coach Innocent Ranku was happy with the performance of his team. “We played well. Our opponents were defensive. ENDS