16 Feb 2020

Nico United dream to win Debswana First Division North title was dashed as the Selebi Phikwe giants played to a 0-0 draw to Maun United Terrors at Maun Sports Complex over the weekend.

Nico United had been at the top in the log standings with 29 points. It has now dropped to position two with 30 points while Sua Flamingoes occupied position one with 33 points following their 2-1 win against Sankoyo Bush Bucks.

The Selebi Phikwe side, affectionately known as ‘Majombolo’ together with Maun Terrors boys played a dull game as there were few opportunities for both sides in the opening minutes apart from continuous fouls, which marred the entire encounter.

In the last 10 minutes of the first half, Nico United tried to increase the tempo of the game, but their efforts were in vain as their opponent defence seemed solid and unshaken.

On the other hand, Maun Terrors supporters had high expectations that their team would utilise the home ground advantage.

However, that was not the case as Nico boys were also determined to prove their seniority and collect the much needed three points.

Terrors’ Tshepang Kodumo and Wazha Seleka also missed clear chances that could have brought smiles to a group of supporters.

After recess, both teams changed their play and started creating numerous chances, but failed to convert them into goals as both goalkeepers looked awake and saved all shots directed to them.

The combination of Omphile Magale and Motshwari Goitseone from Nico was amazing as both players easily bypassed Terrors boys in the wings, but were unlucky as they could not find the target. In the last 20 minutes, Nico head coach, Peter Muchina made several substitutions bringing in Thabiso Ndlela, Koketso Meshack and Thabang Mokonyodi, but this did not add any value as Maun boys beefed up the defence department to frustrate all their efforts until the last whistle.

In an interview, Nico coach, Muchina gave credit to his boys saying one point was not bad.

He said their aim was to collect the maximum points to increase their log standing.

Maun Terrors assistant coach, Kenanao Abraham said they were well prepared as their plan was to win the game, but the boys did not play up to his expectations.

He revealed that all his key players were held up at their workplaces and they were forced to use inexperienced players.

Despite that, he appreciated that the boys did not disappoint much as they held up Selebi Phikwe based outfit to a goalless draw.

Meanwhile, Maun Terrors sit  in position five with 22 points and Abraham is hopeful that the boys will finish the league in the top four. Their ambition, he said, was to take each team differently and as they come and strive to win all the games and the top league. ENDS