03 Nov 2019

Fresh from their midweek victory away to Gilport Lions, Tafic Sporting Club have failed to capitalise on the momentum as they were held to a one-all draw by BR Highlanders at the Obed Chilume Stadium on a cloudy Saturday afternoon.

Playing before a capacity crowd, the hosts failed to take advantage of the visitors’ slow passing game despite dominating the opening proceedings in the midfield, where Bose Ramontsho ran rings around their opponents.

The pint-sized player did as he pleased in the middle of the park, but was let down by his teammates, who ‘threw away’ possession after his hard won tackles.

Contrary to expectations, it was the visitors who had more shots on target despite being subdued for the better part of the first half.

Despite Tafic playing a more organised brand of football on the day, the visitors caught them on the counter-attack and nearly scored with Ototeng Dintwa heading straight into Abednico Morapedi in Tafic goals.

The two teams continued to test each other, with the hosts exchanging neat passes that unfortunately went to waste as Thato Moswe and Upoga Dekesha failed to bury them even with Highlanders keeper, Michel Pepukane beaten.

Highlanders on the other hand played a disciplined game and ensured that their defence was not exposed despite pressure from the visitors. Leteng Legopelo and Emmanuel Sekwena provided the much needed experience when Tafic was on the offensive.

The visitors’ relentless attacks were rewarded in the 32nd minute of the first half when Kealeboga Oitsile put them ahead after tapping in an easy ball after a goal mouth melee in the Tafic defence.

Tafic goalkeeper had parried the ball into his path after Rockie Nkwe made a poor clearance inside the Tafic defensive area.

The Tafic defence comprising Gobonyeone Selefa, Mogomotsi Samson and Nkwe had from the start of the game been solid until they conceded what looked like an easy goal.

Lynoth ‘Chisepe’ Chikuhwa of Highlanders was always threatening whenever the hosts were on the attack and missed a sitter after heading a free cross into Morapedi’s path.

In the second half, Tafic came back oozing confidence and took control of the game.

They were rewarded in the 55th minute as Mosweu made amends for his numerous misses with a low lying pile driver after clever play from his teammate.

With both sides level, the two teams began to raise the pace, but continued to miss scoring opportunities.

The introduction of Boitshoko Zikhale by Coach Saul Chaminuka injected life into the Machimenyenga Boys, but the Highlanders defence marshalled by Mompati Oabile, Thabang Mooketsi and Legopelo was watertight.

Tafic introduced Mompati Mbizo and Mmilili Makwekwe for Kagisano Mungu and Dekesha respectively to shore up their attacking options, but could not get the winning goal.

On the other hand, Highlanders coach, Blessing Moyo pulled out Oitsile for Goitseone Legopelo in an attempt to break the stalemate,  but to no avail.

The visitors have their goalkeeper Pepukani’s acrobatic moves towards the end of the game to thank as he stopped a dangerous low hanging shot unleashed by Mosweu to return home with a single point. ENDS