Rollers end Chiefs unbeaten

Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday October 28, 2013 15:20

 

Before the match, Chiefs had won all the seven games they had played. The game against Rollers was seen as a real test. In the absence of influential captain, Pontsho Moloi, Chiefs started with Othusitse Pilane ahead of Patrick Lenyeletse.

Tshepo Motlhabankwe played as a centre midfielder alongside Elvis Meleka. Rollers on the other hand made only a single change to the team that played against Gaborone United. Motsholetsi Sikele made it to the starting team in the absence of suspended Maano Ditshupo.

Despite the scorching heat, Rollers started the match with a lot of speed and created numerous scoring chances. Chiefs lacked creativity in the first half with only Lemponye Tshireletso up to the task. He also did not cause much havoc in the first half, with Rollers right back, Obonye Moswate, closely watching him.

He became more effective after moving to the right, giving Rollers left back, Pako Lekgari, a torrid time. Four minutes into the game, Chiefs goalkeeper, Raphael Nthwane, was called to action and did a marvelous job, blocking Kobamelo Kebaikanye's shot to concede a corner. About five minutes later, he made another incredible save denying Sekhana Koko from close range. Rollers kept pushing numbers upfront but were let down by poor finishing. Chiefs managed to hold on until halftime.

However, just two minutes into the second half, Rollers finally broke the ice when Koko headed home from close range after a beautiful flick by his teammate, William Kupera. They nearly scored again a few minutes later, but Nthwane denied them once again. Chiefs made a double substitution with Lesego Galenamotlhale and Lenyeletse coming on for Thabiso Khunwane and Pilane respectively.

The two players had an immediate impact as Chiefs began to look more dangerous going forward. Rollers goalkeeper Mwampule Masule, who had little to do in the first half, was finally called to action in the 60th minute. He put his fingertips to the ball to deny Tshireletso. With Chiefs now getting more and more into the game, Rollers introduced Gofaone Tiro to run at Chiefs defence.

Bonolo Fraizer equalised after a beautiful display by Tshireletso who released Motlhabankwe with a back heel. The Zebras right back delivered a beautiful cross and Fraizer's powerful header gave Masule no chance. Rollers were awarded a penalty after Nthwane fouled Tiro in the box and substitute, Kenanao Kgetholetsile, missed the target.

Chiefs were given a corner kick in the dying minutes of the game and sent numbers upfront. They paid dearly when Rollers caught them on a counter attack and Moswate scored the winner. The two sides will meet again over the weekend in the first leg of the Mascom Top 8 quarterfinal.