We are not aggressive enough - Phiri
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Saturday March 30, 2024 09:38
Phiri said they will take each game as it comes, but emphasised the need to start winning matches in order to move up the log standings. He said his players despite having the larger share of possession against Orapa, should have pressed more to create chances upfront. 'I think we are not aggressive enough in front of goals. That is something that we need to work on. We pass the ball too much. Sometimes the way we pass the ball, we don't pass it with a purpose. I spoke to them (players) at halftime to say we can't pass until we get into the net. Sometimes we have to take shots, we don't even know if the goalkeeper is good or not,' Phiri said. He said the most important thing going forward is to make sure the team does not drop to the lower division.
The match failed to produce a single goal despite both sides having a fair share of goalscoring opportunities. Both sides had a quiet afternoon in the early stages of the first half as far as creating goalscoring opportunities is concerned. However Masitaoka had several freekicks on the edge of the box, but they could not make anything out of it. The battle seemed to be in the middle of the park with both sides cutting out each other's dangerous moves. Both goalkeepers did not have to deal with any clear danger until they went for halftime recess.
Three minutes into the second half, Orapa United had their first clear cut chance but Masitaoka goalkeeper, Victor James did well to deny Kelvin Bingala the goal. Gofaone Mabaya missed a glorious opportunity to put Orapa United in the lead with 15 minutes remaining. He controlled the ball well inside the box and with only the goalkeeper to beat, he shot over the crossbar. Second half substitute for Masitaoka, Monty Enosa also had a chance a minute later but his teammates failed to support him until Orapa United defenders cleared the ball from danger.
Orapa United nearly took the lead in the 85th minute when Tinashe Bakalasi received the ball on the edge of the box, but James once again made a brilliant save. Both sides in the end shared spoils.