11 Feb 2019

Debswana First Division North league games continued over the weekend with Nico United succumbing to a 1-0 defeat to Calendar Stars at the city’s old Stadium on February 9.

Selebi Phikwe-based outfit, Matjombolo as Nico United is known, went into the game as the favourite to clinch a win after a string of impressive runs this season, while Francistown-based side, Calendar Stars have been barely surviving.

Though the first half had little action to impress few supporters at the stadium, the visitors nearly scored a quick opener two minutes into the game when attacker Mmoloki Kgaswane, made a dash sole breakthrough only to stumble and fall attempting to shoot a goal and goalkeeper, Nsala Mosinyi quickly corrected the embarrassing defensive error.

The failed attempt by the visitors, gave the host a rude awakening and rejuvenated the hunger in Stars, who were now foraging into their opponent’s goal area searching for an early goal.

Stars’ impressive midfield play was led by the speedy pint sized midfielder, Simon Motloge who piled more ball supply to the strikers and was often available to assist his side during counter attacks.

The impressive play by the host finally paid off on the sixth minute as Stars registered their first goal through Keabetswe Matote, but their celebration was nearly short lived as two minutes later, Chebukani Pilato’s hand ball cost them a penalty which, Morgan Gaseitsiwe however failed to convert.

Stars continued their dominance on the field as United failed to contain them.

Monametsi Kelebale also had a chance to score an equaliser on the 33rd minutes but luck eluded him as he fumbled on the goal area and the ball landed safely on the keeper.

The second half started off on high tempo with both sides having revamped their tactical prowess with Majombolo creating many goal scoring opportunities, but clear range misses and shooting over the crossbars and balls going wide were most of their undoing.

Fifty-nine minutes into it the game, Vincent Chikumba’s side substituted Gabanthate Olebetse for Matlhogonolo Manko, Mompoloki Latsang for Innocent Mogapi and Mbaiko Maika for Kago Kaizer, while United brought in Molwantwa Nkaelang for Kabo Gabatshele.

The substitutes had a great impact on both sides with stars having an upper hand as they pressed for another goal.

Stars’s second goal attempt on the 71st minutes was ruled offside which infuriated few supporters who had already celebrated. ENDS