03 Mar 2019

In a thrilling encounter, Tafic came from behind to beat visiting Nico United 4-2 at the old Francistown Stadium in the ongoing Debswana First Division North campaign on Saturday.

Tafic had previously lost 2-1 against Green Lovers and tumbled from the top to position two.

They needed to win the Saturday fixture and hope that Morupule Wanderers, who had overtaken them, would drop points in their encounter against Green Lovers, but the Palapye based outfit dashed their hopes by beating Green Lovers 3-1 instead.

This puts Tafic in the second position with 36 points while the Oris Radipotsane led charges are at the top of the log standings with 37 points.

In the first half, Nico United were a hard nut to crack intent on stopping Tafic on their tracks.

With good attackers in the likes of Rebaone Modisaotsile, Batisani Josiah and Michael Murirwa, the hosts still could not find scoring opportunities. They had a challenge in a formidable Nico United defence that boasts the likes of Monametsi ‘Sunday’ Kelebale. Kelebale’s numerous headers were also a nightmare to Tafic’s defence comprising of Gobonyeone Selefa and Bokamoso Mbambo.

His towering height and physique enabled him to easily beat the two defenders in aerial balls.An error by Abednico Morapedi in the 38th minute to contain a shot cost the Elias Chinyemba charges as Lesego Tapela capitalised on a rebound to put one behind the net for the Selibe Phikwe side.

Kgosietsile Ernest pulled an equaliser for the hosts to level the score at 1-1 before half-time.

Minutes into the second half, Nico was awarded a penalty by Keabetswe Dintwa after Ernest fouled Kelebale inside the box.

Molwantwa Nkaelang easily converted the penalty to extend the lead to 2-1. Their celebration was, however, short-lived as Batisani Josiah equalised for Tafic with a controversial goal. Tafic substituted Boitshoko Zikhale for Uyapo Thibathuwe.

Nico United pulled out Lesego Tapela for Boikanyo Mapodisi and Thato Ganetsang for Kudakwashe Tsvamuno. In the 88th minute, substitute Thibathuwe’s goal pulled the hosts a goal away from their opponent. Selefa put the last nail on the visiting side’s coffin through a last minute penalty to ensure Tafic won the encounter 4-2. Ends