24 Feb 2014

Gaborone United (GU) fought hard to repel a determined Nico United in a seven-goal thriller in Molepolole on Sunday, February 23.

After scoring two quick goals without a response from the visitors, many GU supporters anticipated a walkover before Nico responded with two equally quick goals to level matters before half time.

GU scored as early as the second minute through winger, Mandla Mgadla when he connected a Kgololo Kgogobi cross and Moyagoleele scored the second through Gaopatwe 'Shoes' Seosesenyeng.

The towering defender was given a free header inside the box by the Nico defence and beautifully connected with Osego Gaotewe’s cross. At this stage GU looked destined for a comfortable win as they kept launching attacks through the wings of Kgogobi and Mgadla.

However, Nico managed to settle in the midfield in the dying minutes of the first half, and like GU, scored two quick goals to level the matters. Malvern Moyo slotted past GU’s second choice goalkeeper, Goitseone Phoko five minutes before halftime, and Topo Piet equalised through a well taken free kick outside the box to bring his team level at recess.

Nico should blame themselves for lack of concentration in the initial stages of each half, and just like in the first half, the Selebi Phikwe outfit allowed GU to score another two quick goals in the second half started.

Nico defence allowed first half substitute, George Mubita to score a third for GU within four minutes of the second half after a good footwork between himself as well as Tebogo Sembowa and Kgogobi.

Within four minutes, GU increased the deficit for Nico when Sembowa slotted past the suspect Segakolodi Ntima in Nico defence to make it 4-2 in favour of GU. Nico defence also proved to be leaky as it was easily penetrated by the GU frontline.

However, in the 67th minute, Nico pulled a goal back when Khumoetsile Kufigwa slotted straight from the corner-kick, beating Phoko at the far post.

The goal ensured a tense atmosphere for the remainder of the game, with GU supporters wondering whether Nico were about to make another comeback.

GU managed to hold on until the final whistle, giving caretaker coach, George Mogopodi his first win in his first league game. ENDS