GU slip again as Galaxy stretch lead

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Monday February 27, 2023 16:00

SIX-GOAL THRILLER: Botswana Premier League action between Gaborone United (in red) and Orapa United played at the National Stadium on Saturday. PIC MONIRUL BHUIYAN:PRESS PHOTO

The Ostriches put up a sterling second half performance to wallop Moyagoleele 4-2 in an entertaining encounter and moved level on points with the defending champions who are now five points behind leaders, Jwaneng Galaxy. Perhaps the biggest highlight from the game was GU’s technical team’s refusal to conduct post match media interviews, thus violating a standing and common practice. A frustrated GU’s assistant coach, Pontsho Moloi who is normally the one conducting media interviews refused to talk to the media, instead shooting straight to the change rooms at the final whistle.

Head coach, Benny Kgomela was also not available for interviews following yet another disappointing result after their 2-2 draw with Security Systems last weekend. GU started the game brightly and were rewarded when Thero Setsile opened the scoring following some neat exchange of passes with Mothusi Johnson. After taking the lead, the home side dropped the tempo allowing Orapa back into the game. The visitors equalised in the 28th minute when striker Omaatla Kebatho capitalised on a defensive blunder to tuck home inside the box. The striker nearly got his brace a few minutes later but was denied by Goitseone Phoko’s outstretched leg. The champions nearly regained the lead at the stroke of half time but Thatayaone Kgamanyane's curler from outside the box came off the bar with goalkeeper, Lesenya Malapela beaten. It was all square at the break. After the break, GU continued to dominate ball possession but with nothing to show for it. With GU searching for a winner, the Ostriches coach moved Tapiwa Nyamanjiva to midfield for stability. The move paid dividends as the visitors started to play.

Malapela parried away Onkabetse Makgantai's shot for a corner in the 60th minute. Former GU defender, Thato Kebue was lucky to escape a red card after pulling down Kgamanyane in the D-mark area with the GU striker set on goal. Orapa United took the lead in the 80th minute through Lemogang Maswena who tapped home at the far post. Seven minutes later, the striker completed his brace with a well taken goal, chipping over the advancing Phoko from just outside the box. Defender Kennedy Amutenya reduced the deficit for The Reds, heading home from Johnson’s free-kick. With GU looking for an equaliser, Nyamanjiva completed the rout in the 93rd minute to send the visitors supporters into celebrations. After the game, an elated Orapa United coach Taurai Mangwiro lauded his charges for executing their game plan and following his instructions. He said the turning point in the game was the equaliser, which gave them q belief that they could get something from the match.

The teams:

GU: Goirseone Phoko, Alford Velaphi, Tshepo Maikano, Kennedy Amutenya, Mothusi Johnson, Lebogang Ditsele, Duncan Otieno (Obonwe Maome), Kgamanyane, Sizwe Twala (Gape Thibedi), Makgantai (Karabo Phiri), Thero Setsile

Orapa United: Lesenya Malapela, Thato Kebue, Tlamelo Kolagano (Mooketsi Hlabano), Tapiwa Nyamanjiva, Mpho Kgaswane, Koketso Majafi, Wilfred Muvirimi (Isaskar Gurirab), Maswena, Omaatla Kebatho, Gofaone Mabaya, Anelka Chivandire (Thato Seagateng)

GU 2 (Setsile 12th, Amutenya 90th) Orapa United 4 (Kebatho 28th, Maswena 80th, 87th, Nyamanjiva 90+3)