11 Feb 2018

Ten men Great North Tigers labored to a solitary goal win over Mahalapye United Hotspurs in a Debswana First Division North league game played at the Old Francistown stadium.

The goal came as early as the 7th minute through Thabo Mfuma’s header who capitalised on defensive tardiness to open the account for the hosts.

The game, played against the wind was characterised by ill-tempered displays from both teams which forced referee Moemedi Thabologang to dish out cards in order to control the game.

At the beginning of the game GNT were the more enterprising of the two teams, dominating possession and visiting the Hotspurs defence on numerous occasions until they took an early lead. Of the two teams, Hotspurs defenders were kept on their toes as Molwantwa Nkaelang and Gothusamang Nkola forced them to come to their goalkeeper, Keletso Chalashika’s rescue.

Chalashika on most occasions found himself having to parry dangerous balls away from his area with his defence leaving him exposed.

In the 20th minute Mosa Tamokate for GNT missed a golden opportunity with only the goalkeeper to beat as he sent his screeching shot over the bar. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession throughout the first half, the host who could have scored an avalanche of goals saw their efforts go wide.

However, towards the end of the first half, United Hotspurs came to life after Mogomotsi Tlou forced a save from GNT goalkeeper, Thatayaone Thandazela when he drove a left-footed pile driver through the GNT defence which was caught napping.

In the second half the host’s Nkaelang was cautioned for dangerous play.

Five minutes after the foul, he was given marching orders after getting a second yellow card for remonstrating with the referee. 

United Hotspur’s Thato Goitsemang and Edwin Raditsebe were also cautioned for foul play while their teammate, Amantle Motswetla was given a yellow card after protesting his goal which was ruled offside. Ends