12 Dec 2017

Mascom Top 8 defending champions, Jwaneng Galaxy escaped Mochudi Centre Chiefs noose by a hair’s breadth by beating them 4-3 on aggregate to book a place in the semi-finals during an emotionally game played in Jwaneng.

Although they scored two goals through Thero Setsile in the first half to overturn their first leg 2-1 defeat by Chiefs a fortnight ago, it took Galaxy 120 minutes to win the clash 3-1 through substitute, Terrence Mandaza’s 98th minute strike.

The win had seemed easy for Galaxy who were on song for a long time until Tendai Nyamadzawo caught them napping and slammed home the equaliser to make it 3-3 on aggregate in the referee’s added time and subsequently forcing the game to be decided in extra time.

Galaxy, who parted ways with Mike Sithole ahead of the match, could have closed the game within regulation time, but complacency had the better of them.

Telling, pin-point  crosses from Setsile had gone to waste.

However, Galaxy’s caretaker coach, Matshidiso Moseki’s introduction of Atisang Batsi changed the complextion of the game as he combined well with man of the match, Gilbert Baruti.

They created mobility in the midfield and the team started pressing their opponents to their side of the pitch. Malebye, a feared playmaker, had an off-day.

Although they lost, credit should go to Chiefs for playing their hearts out given that unconfirmed reports are that the players did not turn up for training for three days ahead of the crucial clash due to boardroom issues.

Khumoetsile Kufiwa’s injury also hampered them in attacks. Galaxy have joined Gaborone United, Orapa United and Township Rollers in the semi-finals.

Speaking in a post-match interview, coach Innocent Morapedi said he was impressed that his boys did their best to win the game.

“We tried the best we could and nearly stole the match in the last minutes, but lady luck was not on our side. Other things we cannot discuss here,” he said.

Moseki on the other hand conceded that they had pressure to win the match as defending champions. ENDS