23 Sep 2019

Sankoyo Bush Bucks, which was relegated from the premier league last season, failed to live up to expectation losing 2-1 to Nico United during the Debswana First Division North league encounter at Maun Sports Complex over the weekend.

Maun-based team, Sankoyo did not come to the party as it played under pressure from the Selebi Phikwe side affectionately called Majombolo.

The visitors played like a determined lot and showed hunger to collect maximum points. While Ngurungu fougt back, it lacked confidence in both middle field and defence departments.

Majombolo, who had an upper hand from onset did not waste time and scored their first goal through Morgan Gasietsiwe on the 22^nd minute of the first half.

The first half was a marvel to watch as both teams increased the pace of the game despite the scorching sun, but the visiting team had an upper hand throughout the first 45 minutes.

Gaseitsiwe’s goal rejuvenated Majombolo as they continued putting up a brave performance, pilling more pressure but Ngurungu’s goalkeeper was equal to the task.  Ngurungu’s chaotic middle field did not help, as they failed to feed strikers.

This resulted in the visiting team increasing the lead through a brilliant shot by Mosalage Meti some seconds before half time,, which saw Nico leading 2-0 by half time.

After recess Sankoyo  upped tempo of the game, making numerous attacks on their opponents.

Their veteran striker, Gaongalelwe Dipateletso’s contribution changed the complexion of the game.

Ngurungu boys took control of the game making it difficult for their opponents to find its way to Sankoyo goal post while at the same time the latter made numerous attempts.

Dipateletso’s efforts were rewarded in the 50^th minute as he took a well shot outside the box. The ball caught both Nico goalminder and defense napping as they realised what transpired when the ball was already inside the net. Both teams made some several substitutions on short intervals but the efforts were fruitless as they game ended 2-1.

In an interview, Nico head coach, Peter Muchina praised his side for collecting three points.

He said the players played their normal game as their approach was to score first and defend but gave credit to Sankoyo for returning the favour against his team the entire second half and managed to secure a goal.

“We came all the way for a win not for a loss or a draw and I congratulate my boys for sticking to our plan and set our pace in the league,” he added.

Sankoyo head coach, Anthony Timothy accepted the loss acknowledging their system’s inefficiency.

He said they lost because four of their key players were students at Maun Technical College and they were engaged in another school competition at Francistown.

The squad, he used said was not intact adding that even their plan system did not work as expected.

“We learnt very late about their absence from the squad and we had no choice but to use upcoming players,” he added. Ends