17 Feb 2020

 Extension Gunners showed much improvement and held Mahalapye Railway Highlanders to a 1-1 draw in a BTC Premiership encounter played on February 14 afternoon.

In the first round encounter, Highlanders clobbered Gunners 4-1 towards the end of last year, while Gunners also came into the weekend match in desperate need for redemption after suffering a 4-1 thrashing by BDF XI a fortnight ago.

However, they were caught off guard at Lobatse Sports Complex as the high-riding Highlanders took the lead from their first attempt on target.

Midfielder Brian Kobe intercepted a poor clearance and released striker Lynoth Chikuhwa, who turned and slotted past Gunners goalkeeper, Itumeleng Selapa in the fifth minute.

But Gunners took control afterwards and Tshepo Motlhabankwe forced a good save from Highlanders goalkeeper, Michael Pepukani three minutes later.

The veteran midfielder also narrowly missed the target with a header from a corner-kick.

Dirang Moloi collected a pass from Senatla Molefhe in the 24th minute and lofted the ball to midfielder Mosimanegape Ntwaetsile to head home and level matters for ‘Mapantsula’.

Highlanders nearly regained their lead before half-time, but Kobe was denied by the post, while Kealeboga Oitsile put a glorious opportunity wide after pouncing on a loose ball inside the penalty area.

Gunners continued playing well in the second half, but Moloi, Boipelo Oaitse and Olekantse Mambo failed to score when presented with opportunities.

Substitute Boemo Lekorwe also shot weakly into the hands of Pepukani, while the goalkeeper also denied Moloi in the closing stages.

The draw left Gunners sitting precariously one position above the relegation zone with 15 points from 19 games.

Highlanders on the other hand are on position six with 31 points. ENDS