18 Feb 2019

The battle to survive the BTC Premiership league relegation has entered an exciting stage, with all teams vying for survival.

At this stage, every point counts and this became a rude awakening for Mochudi Centre Chiefs when they were beaten 1-0 by another struggling side, Black Forest.

Magosi have never beaten the Mmankgodi side since its promotion to the elite league, and the jinx continued on Friday at Molepolole Sports Complex.

Black Forest have now amassed 15 points, just two points below Magosi who were looking forward to collecting maximum points, as it could have propelled them three places above the relegation zone. 

Perhaps Magosi undermined their opponents who arrived just about 30 minutes from kick off in an open truck, as they had difficulties with their usual transport.

The game itself started on a high pace, with Forest relying on the pace of Donald Botshoma and Gobona Ramotlhwa to launch attacks, which kept Magosi defenders on their toes.

However, Bakang Leshona also had his fair share of the game, troubling the opponents in the same flank they used to launch their attacks.

Magosi had an opportunity when Terrence Mandaza received a pass and beat the advancing Lame Tladinyane and looped the ball over him only to hit the crossbar.

In another incident, he was again unfortunate as his shot hit Tladinyane on the legs. 

Black Forest continued fighting with Siamisang Kgosipula relying upon his defence to deal with the attacks.

However, they eventually took advantage of a defensive blunder, won the ball in midfield and scored a goal which proved to be vital.

The goal somehow energised Black Forest as they continued to push forward looking to extend their lead, but at recess, it was one nil in their favour.

In the second half, Black Forest, having scored a goal, changed their system of play and moved back, leaving the troublesome duo up front, waiting for Chiefs attack and they launched counter-attacks.

While Magosi wasted opportunities in the first half, with their marksman Morris Ruzivo not in the game, things changed in the second half as they realised the importance of three points.

Chief’s coach, Zaahid Jalal changed tactics to a 4-3-3 formation, as he wanted to unlock the solid Black Forest defence, but this made his side more vulnerable to counter attacks.

Ayanda Molefhe made his debut as a substitute, coming in for Lebogang Jabari.

As Magosi pushed forward seeking an equaliser, Botshoma broke away with pace and his shot was parried by Kgosipula. He was forced to make a consecutive save as Ramotlhwa made a follow-up shot.

In the end, Forest rejuvenated their survival while Magosi failed to escape the red zone.

Forest coach, Reetsang Letlole said he was impressed with his chargers as they played according to plan, adding that he had been troubled with the goals his team conceded, and that they worked on defence.

As for Jalal, he said he was saddened by the fact that his opponents had only one opportunity at goal in the first half and they used it. He said they tried everything to get back into the game as they needed maximum points to escape the relegation zone. ENDS