12 Feb 2018

Mochudi Centre Chiefs is slowly losing  grip on surviving the dreaded relegation axe after an embarrassing 1-3 defeat at the hands of visiting Extension Gunners in a dramatic BTC Premiership tie at the University of Botswana Stadium on February 11.

Drama unfolded when a handful of Chiefs supporters on the western stand created a hostile environment for referee, Kutlwano Leso accusing him of harshly awarding the visitors their second goal whilst their goalkeeper, Siamang Kgosipula was down injured.

Security personnel intervened and thwarted any efforts of a pitch invasion.

Gunners dusted themselves from a 2-3 loss against high riding Police XI last week and rang several changes handing a starting berth to Kenanao Kgetholetsile, Kelame Tladinyane, Mpho Kgaswane, Ronald Olaki and Ofentse Mmipi.

They started the game brilliantly with skipper, Desire Bafana breaking the ice from an entertaining passing game.

After a foul on winger Thabo Mereyotlhe, Mmipi curled a brilliant direct kick to Bafana whose looping header gave Kgosipula no chance.

In the 37th minute, Tshepo Morake’s curling free kick was too good for Tladinyane in Gunners goal, and the two teams went for recess tied at a goal apiece.

Two minutes into the second half Chiefs almost went ahead but Pako Moloi fluffed a chance after a brilliant cross from Mandla Mgadla.

The game opened up at either end with the Peleng boys coming close on many occasions.

Mmipi, who produced a man of the match performance, was leading the pack with a good supply from Gunners wonder kid, Mothusi Cooper.

Chiefs threw in Tendai Nyamadzawo and Koketso Majafi for the ineffective Thatayaone Ramatlapeng and Lawrence Majawa.

They regrouped and forced Gunners to play with their backs on the wall.

Olaki, who had a dream game, curled a free kick from the far left and Mmipi rose above his marker to put the final nail into Chiefs coffin.

The loss leaves Magosi in a precarious 14th spot while their relegation rivals, Union Flamengo Santos and Gilport Lions played to a goal apiece.

In other league games played over the weekend, Sharps Shooting Stars beat Sankoyo Bush Bucks 1-0, Security Systems shared spoils with Miscellaneous, Police X1 beat Tafic 1-0 while Orapa United beat Gaborone United 1-0. Ends