30 Oct 2017

Tapiwa Nyamanjiva’s  late second half strike from a set piece saw his team draw 2-2 with Extension Gunners during a dull BTC premiership match played at the New Lobatse Sports Complex.

Orapa United, who had lost their last two matches, were the first to score through Lemogang Maswena in the 13th minute, and they controlled the game for a good share of the time after Gunners defence had failed to clear a seemingly harmless ball inside their backyard.

Orapa United’s forward, Omaatla Kebatho could have extended the lead before half time but fluffed two chances.

Gunners’ chance only came through Ofentse Mmipi a few minutes before recess after single handedly beating two defenders and equalised.

Heartened by Mmipi’s goal, Gunners took the second half by the scruff of the neck and pressed United against the wall looking to put the game out of their reach, but lack of composure in front of goal had the better of them.

Their prayers were, nonetheless, answered about 10 minutes into the second half when Ronald Olaki broke through the Orapa United defence to put them in the lead.

However, a win, which had seemed obvious, eluded Gunners during the referee’s added time when goalkeeper, Lame Tladinyane was penalised for time wasting and Nyamanjiva converted from the set piece to end the match with a tie.

Although Orapa United are endowed with height and physical presence provided by Tendai Nyumasi, Ronald Chikomo, Letumile Molebatsi, Olekantse Mambo and Kabo Mungabe among others, all the corner kicks they created went begging.

They only used their strength to keep Gunners marksman, Kenanao Flo Kgetholetsile at bay.

Meanwhile, Gunners coach Tumie Duicker, has blamed his players for conceding silly goals, adding that they could have bagged the maximum points.

Orapa United assistant coach, Zachariah Mudzadzi was, however, happy to walk away with a draw. He said the point would motivate them to find a winning formula. He also dismissed as baseless insinuations that his camp was not happy. ENDS