Chiefs dent City Polar's promotion ambition
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday March 18, 2024 15:20
It was the first time City Polar failed to score in a match this year as the second placed side failed to move an inch closer to log leaders, Young Stars. Mapeu said his side was a shadow of themselves on the afternoon and he is worried the defeat could have an impact on their chase for automatic promotion.
“I think Chiefs had a plan to pick the second balls behind our midfielders and it worked for them. We played long balls and it is not our style but in the second half we tried to play our normal game. I think the boys will regroup and come back stronger. Where we are now, we do not even need a single loss because it is very tight, six games to go and nobody wants to lose.
But it was expected to be a tough match because every team, whether they are at the bottom, at the top or in the middle, are tightening up,” Mapeu said. It was a rather sluggish start to the game by both teams as they struggled to make a move in either of the final third. Jackie Tapologo for Chiefs put in a teasing cross for Kakanyo Kethubile but the latter failed to tap in with the game’s first real chance at goal.
Katlego Bogatsu looked threatening for City Polar on the left wing but could not make a meaningful impact.
The two teams went into the half time break level at 0-0 after a very heavily contested half. It only took Chiefs four minutes after the recess to open the scores with a well taken goal by Legend Monyake. Substitute, Adam Tende had his shot saved and Koos Matlala on the follow up doubled Chiefs’ lead as he slotted into the bottom corner on the 56th minute. Magosi were not threatened for much of the half as they bagged maximum points at home.
The teams Chiefs: Tshenolo Letshelea, Happy Pilane, Jackie Tapologo, Ontiretse Morotsi, Gofaone Molapi, Thapelo Thebeyagae (Gaamangwe Thabe), Bakang Leshona, Kakanyo Kethubile, Legend Monyake (Adam Tende), Koos Matlala (Ofentse Chitutu), One Mooketsane (Remmington Masuku)
City Polar: Mbathi Sethole, Kealeboga Koko, Botshelo Tiro, Tumisang Mokopi, Mpho Ramogonono, Morapedi Kengaletswe, Katlego Bogatsu, Thapelo Mosugadikobo (Miguel Kgomo), Moemedi Monaka (Ontiretse Molamu), Boikobo Kebafeditse, Gaolesedi Motlopi
Chiefs 2 (Monyake 49th, Matlala 56th) City Polar 0