14 Jan 2019

Troubled Mochudi Centre Chiefs failed to escape relegation woos after playing to a two-all draw against Extension Gunners in an exciting BTC Premiership game in Molepolole Sports Complex on January 12. 

Both teams parted with their coaches leaving Itumeleng ‘Tumie’ Duicker in charge of Magosi while Pontsho ‘Piro’ Moloi was on the bench for Mapantsola.

Gunners aka Mapantsola, who were more organised, were able to exchange passes from the back to the strikers, while Magosi could not properly link up.

The visitors could have taken an early lead but Emmanuel Machinye shot wide after being set up by Mmoloki Kebalepile.

Gunners continued pushing home-side’s defense back into smaller spaces but could not find a way through Duiker’s compact defense, with their dangerous and experienced striker, Kenanao ‘Flo’ Kgetholetsile tightly marked by Moabi Sebele.

As the game increased the tempo, Magosi started taking control of the game.

Chiefs’ Terrence Mandaza had a great opportunity to score from Morris Ruzivo’s deadly through pass but was ruled offside.

In another golden opportunity for the Kgatleng side, Mandaza let his team down after he failed to knock the ball into the net, but instead it hit him on the left leg and Gunners defenders were able to clear the danger.

Mandaza could have also made a run for goal in a one-on-one situation following a good through ball, but he ruled himself offside, much to the disappointment of supporters who felt he could have gone ahead and stopped by the referee.

Towards the end of the first half Magosi had more opportunities to score at they were controlling the game especially in the middle of the park with Ruzivo’s crisp through passes.

Maapara Nkwe’s swift well-coordinated forward moving passes were giving Piro’s boys a headache when Bakang Leshona squared a beautiful pass to Mandaza who failed to control the ball well to take a shot at goal.

Sekhana Koko took a well-placed header from Ruzivo’s accurate cross forcing Gunners goalkeeper Katlego Mbise  into making an excellent save by parring the ball outside.

Later, Ruzivo took a well-crafted corner that resulted in Magosi taking a lead through Mandza, three minutes before recess.

In the second half, Mapantsola pressed hard as they searched for an equaliser.

Mmoloki Kebalepile, Brian Mankanku and Kgetholetsile exchnaged passes but Kebalepile’s shot ballooned over the bar.

However, their constant attack eventually paid dividends as they scored from the corner kick, with Kgetholetsile slotting in from Mpho Kgaswane’s accurate cross.

After pulling out Nelson Moreetsi and bringing in Mompoloki Kafuku, Magosi responded with a deadly counter attack of crisp passes causing panic in Gunner’s defense which had on numerous occasions been exposed.

Ruzivo initiated the counter attack that led to a goal with a cross field pass to Mandaza who read very well Koko’s run and gave Magosi a 2-1 lead.

Desperate to get back on terms, Moloi replaced Mankanku with Kabelano Mooketsi as they looked for an individual to galvanise their attack.

The change worked as Mooketsi brought life to the Peleng side as they continued pressing hard for a second equaliser.

On the 84^th minute, Kgetholetsile made an assisting looping cross to Baokeditse Talane, who levelled the matters.

In a post-match interview, Duiker said his charges tried despite missing a lot of chances inside the box.

“Even in the first round we kept on missing chances but at least today, we managed to get two goals,” he said.

Despite their stagnant position in the relegation zone, Duicker said he would not put his team under pressure but rather, take each game as it comes.

Piro however said he was happy with his charges for they showed resilience as they fought to come from behind on two occasions to settle for a draw. ENDS