19 Nov 2018

Two goals on both halves saw Jwaneng Fighters getting a hard fought victory over Modipane United in their own home turf in a Debswana First Division South league encounter on November 17.

With cool breeze weather conditions, the game started on high tempo with the host, Modipane United in desperate search for an early goal.

Left winger Bobby Matlapeng and attacking midfielder Lapologang Ramogaladi posed a threat to the visitors’ defence.

However, Fighters quickly changed their game plan as the experienced former Cape Town Santos, Jwaneng Galaxy and Zebras player Boitumelo Mafoko and Richard Sekaeng started to stamp their authority in the centre of the park.

In the 9th minute Mafoko spread a pass to Kago Keotlogele who unleashed a cross into the box which Tshiamo Moreetsi failed to capitalise on it as United keeper Kakanyetso Dipholo blocked it on close range.

The attack unfortunately ended with a severe injury for Moreetsi, who was then taken to the hospital forcing Fighters to make an early substitution, bringing in Lapologang Motlogi.

With the visitors piling pressure, United’s defence showed some cracks as they conceded a free kick just outside the box in the 22nd minute which was taken by Motlogi who easily scored it to give the visitors the lead.

In the 32nd minute, Fighters’ forward Keaotshepa Omphile was cautioned for continuing to question referee Ephraim Ditsela’s decisions.

Minutes later, lack of concentration nearly harmed Fighters as their defender failed to head the ball away inside the box, which was ultimately received by Lapologang Ramogaladi who then could not convert it.

From half-time, United came with guns blazing with the quartet of Lapologang Ramogaladi, Ronald Lekoko, Tshenolo Molete and Matlapeng determined to level matters.

United’s sloppy defence was then exposed again in the 49th minute when Motlogi picked Kago Keotlogele in the box, who then headed the ball to the goal poacher Goareng Bagale, who was unmarked for him to tap into the net.

The score now 2-0 in favour of Fighters, United started pressing forward to get a goal as it showed when their centre forward, Ronald Lekoko showed individual brilliance when he received a ball in the middle.

He took a step to unleash a thunderous shot far from the box which was saved by the goal minder, Kabelo Tshamekang.

However, in the 72nd minute things nearly got out of hand when United supporters and technical bench all questioned the referee’s decision inside the box when Fighters keeper picked a ball he had released by hand.

United, who were now desperate, kept knocking on Fighters’ defence and their efforts were nearly answered when Wame Kgosing’s free kick hit the cross bar in the 82nd minute.

Three minutes later, United’s goal was disallowed as offside by the referee Ephraim Ditsela as supporters stood in disbelieve.

Fighters, who were now protecting their clean sheet, nearly punished their opponents who were now enjoying going forward as striker Keaotshepa Omphile’s shot was saved by the goal keeper for a corner in referee’s additional time.

The 2-0 victory meant Jwaneng Fighters moved one step up to 4th on the log with 11 points from six games, whereas United were relegated to position 10 with four points, also from the same number of games.

After the game, Fighters coach Andrew Tlou said they have acclimatised to the league and their plan coming into the game was to get an early goal in both halves.

“We were working on the free kicks, and also how we can penetrate them going wide and quickly bringing the ball in,” said Tlou.

On his part, United coach James Tshekedi said they created a lot of chances in the first half but failed to utilise them.

Tshekedi further highlighted that he was not amused by the referee’s decisions, especially in the second half as they were questionable.

In other league games still on Saturday, log leaders Gilport Lions ran riot over Mogoditshane Fighters with a 3-0 victory while in Tsabong, Broadhurst United further extended Black Rangers’ misery by beating them with a solitary goal.

In Ghanzi, Blue Stars and Red Sparks’ battle of the bottom four ended in a two-all draw, whereas in Mochudi second placed Black Peril failed to put pressure on log leaders as their game against Rovers finished in a goalless draw.

Further, the once promising and fearless, when the league started, Matebejana also were held to a goalless draw by Uniao Flamingo Santos in Mogoditshane. ENDS