27 Sep 2018

Two first half goals were enough for Security Systems to survive a late second half siege by Extension Gunners, ending the match 2-1 at the Molepolole Sports Complex on September 26.

Gunners were hoping to keep up with the winning momentum after their victory against Prisons XI over the weekend.

Systems on the other side were also hoping to break the duck this time around after playing to a goalless draw against BDF XI.

With Gunners lining up their new marksman upfront, Alfred Leku, who has been sidelined since the start of the campaign, the Lobatse based side fans were hopeful of goals upfront.

The opening exchanges did not offer much action as one would have anticipated, but Systems as the home team looked the part as they dictated terms and enjoyed a large share of ball possession.

Leku nearly marked his debut with a sumptuous goal after the 20th minute, but his header was cleared off the line by Bophelo Macheng. At the other end of the field, Ronald Chikomo nearly punished Gunners for sloppy defending after failing to clear their lines, but his shot flew over the bar. On the half hour mark, Gunners were awarded a golden opportunity to break the tie after Kabelano Mooketsane was hacked down on the edge of the box. Gunner’s goal poacher, Kenanao Kgetholetsile forced a brilliant save from Mosimanegape Roberts who parried the thunderous low drive shot away from goal.

On the brink of half time, Systems were able to break the deadlock after Mpho Kgaswane’s dreadful defending in trying to clear off his lines. Thapelo Tlabakwe, who was lurking behind, needed no second invitation as he slotted the ball past Katlego Mbise.

Just as it looked like Systems will head to recess with the slender lead, things got worse for Gunners when Systems were awarded a penalty during stoppage time.
 

Tlabakwe stepped up to convert his second of the night ending an eventful half at 2-0.   From the half time break, Gunners came out guns blazing with attack after attack at the other end of the field. It did not take too long for the Lobatse side to pull one back.

Systems defenders were caught napping trying to set an offside trap for Oabile Makopo’s swung in cross into the box.

Kabelano Mooketsane, who put a sterling performance on the night, composed himself before scoring on the rebound after an impressive save from Roberts.    

Gunners kept on piling pressure but nothing could suffice at the end of the field to restore parity.  Systems were forced to make a substitution as Kemmy Pilato limped off the field due to injury. Omphile Sebolai was called upon to replace the former Orapa United and Gunners midfielder.

In the 78th minute, Systems were again forced to make their third and final substitution after Leku clattered into Roberts’ knee in a collision that saw the shot stopper stretched off the field. Second half substitute Thatayaone Ramatlapeng nearly put the game beyond Gunners’ reach, but his goal was disallowed as he was judged to be offside. With only five minutes to full time, Gunners made their solitary change as they pulled off Makopo for Thabiso Mabachi in an effort to score more goals.

Systems coach Daniel Nare was sent packing by the match official after disputing a number of offside calls against his side.

Gunners nearly rescued a point on stoppage time but Mabachi’s effort brushed the side net. Gunners coach Ennos Mmesi could not hide his disappointment about the calls of match officials claiming that they had a legitimate penalty shout. “We played well but the referee stole victory from us because if he gave a penalty from such circumstances why can’t he also give us one after a similar incident,” he lamented.

Mmesi however said Systems looked a better side on the night, “I think they showed more hunger than us, but there are some positives to pick from the defeat,” he said.  Ends