29 Nov 2018

 

BDF XI failed to move into the top three of the BTC Premiership after playing to a 1-all draw against Extension Gunners at Molepolole Sports Complex on Wednesday.

A stalemate that could have gone either way seemed an unfair result for both teams as they went in hammer and tongs, especially in the closing stages of the encounter.

BDF XI came into the fixture knowing that there was lot of ground to be made up if they were to keep up with the log leaders Township Rollers and Orapa United, and that any slip up could plummet them to the fifth position behind Jwaneng Galaxy.  On the other hand, Gunners saw the encounter as an opportunity to close the gap with the rest of the Top 6 bracket teams.

Gunners dictated the terms in the opening exchanges as they enjoyed more ball possession than the hosts.

In the 17^th minute, Mapantsula, as Gunners is called by its legion of fans, had an opportunity to take the lead after BDF XI keeper Tumiso Mashakola failed to deal with a routine cross, but Kudzanai Machadzani could not make much of the opportunity as he failed to find the target.

As the game progressed, Machadzani and former Rollers midfielder Lesego Molemogi kept BDF XI worried with their well-crafted passes in the midfield and energy at the both ends of the field. 

The home side nearly drew blood five minutes before half time after a fluid counter attack and link up by Moatlhodi Ralesota and Keagile Kobe, who scuffed his effort into the turf.

Right on the stroke of halftime Ralesota also failed to find the back of the net with a snapshot at the edge of the box as both teams headed to the recess with all to play for in the second half.

From halftime, Gunners coach Enos Mmesi made an immediate change bringing on Kabelano Mooketsane for Alfred Leku.

BDF XI, alias Matebele, still struggled to hold on to the ball as Gunners continued to dominate the possession but they found it hard to fashion any opportunity in the final third.

The first chance of the second half fell to BDF XI’s Kobe, who was neatly set up by Moagi Mokomeng, but the marksman failed to generate power on his shot which was comfortably saved by Katlego Mbise.

On the 58^th minute, against the run of play, Gunners went ahead, after long ball from Botshelo Mafoko to find Kenanao Kgetholetsile who was unmarked on the blind side. 

Kgetholetsile tried to head in for goal on the near post forcing a save from Mashakola before setting up Ofentse Mmipi who latched on the ball with a guided header into the back of the net.

Right on the hour mark, BDF XI nearly found themselves trailing by two goals after a defensive miscommunication by the two centre halves Kennedy Taukobong and Okabetse Seforo failed to clear their lines.

Second half substitute Mooketsane left the chance begging as he toe poked the ball over the bar for a goal kick.

Chasing the game BDF XI made their only change of the game bringing on Oratile Taunyane for Lovemore Bogatsu after having a quiet day in office on the right hand side, while Gunners brought Emmanuel Machinya into the fray for Botshelo Mafoko.

With only 18 minutes left, BDF XI restored parity after Ralesota’s ferocious near post finish to put one behind his former employers.

Kobe and Ralesota continued adding a lot of zest upfront creating more defensive headaches for Gunners, as the provider this time around Ralesota released a deft through ball to Kobe, who tried to place it on the left bottom corner but it was cleared over the line for a corner.

In the closing stages, Gunners felt hard done for a penalty shout after Machinya was allegedly brought down by Taukobong inside the box but the referee waived play on.

In a post-match interview, BDF XI coach Anderson Phiri said he was happy with the result.

“The game was too tight, they congested the midfield and coming from a win against Orapa last weekend, I think my players were somehow complacent today but at least they fought back in the closing stages of the game, he said. 

Gunners assistant coach Pontsho Moloi said they deserved a win but they were just unlucky to give away the goal.

“I think it was a good game, especially in the second half. We were all over them but unfortunately it is a draw in the end we just have to take it,” he explained.

Meanwhile, BTC Premiership games continue this weekend with Prisons XI playing against Miscellanous at Molepolole Sports Complex at 15:45pm, while Mochudi Centre Chiefs will face BDF XI at the same venue at 7pm.

BR Highlanders and Jwaneng Galaxy will play at Serowe Sports Complex at 4pm.

On Sunday, Gaborone United will play against Notwane at Molepolole Sports Complex at 15:45pm, while Gunners will face Sankoyo Bush Bucks at Lobatse Stadium at 4pm. Police XI and Sharps Shooting Stars will play in Otse at 4pm. ENDS