BDF XI Sail To Mascom Top Eight Final

Chakalisa Dube | Monday February 10, 2014 15:07

 

Trailing 5-2 from the first leg, Nico needed a minor miracle to prevent Matebele from reaching the final for the second time in a row. After losing in last year’s final, BDF XI get a chance to atone for the failure when they meet either Gaborone United or Township Rollers who are yet to play the second leg of the semi-final.

Defensively, Nico were spot on last Saturday as compared to their two most recent matches against Matebele where they conceded seven goals. However, little creativity upfront proved to be Majombolo’s downfall. Nico talisman and right winger, Topo Piet, never rose to the occasion after a few promising touches early in the proceedings. It was a dull affair that was marred further by a terrible knee injury to Lesego Lubinda. The former Notwane striker collided with a Nico player and had to be rushed to hospital after 23 minutes.

Nico could have grabbed the lead in the 33rd minute when Kagiso Thutuwe’s cross found Emmanuel Thakadu who headed over the bar. Moments later, BDF will have their penalty appeal shot down by referee, Keabetswe Dintwa after former TASC striker, Mokgathi Mokgathi appeared to have been tripped by Nico goalkeeper Basimanebotlhe Moilwa.

After 44 minutes, Mokgathi would again squander a glorious opportunity after being released from the middle with a defence splitting pass. The striker did the unthinkable, sending the ball over the bar in a face-off with Moilwa.

The score was 0-0 at halftime. The introduction of Onkabetse Makgantai for winger Malvin Moyo in the second half boosted Nico’s play. The youngster with his dazzling runs caused havoc in the BDF XI defence. In the 65th minute, BDF conceded a free kick in the goal area and striker Khumoetsile Kufigwa gave Nico the lead from the set-piece after finding the bottom left corner with his effort.

Prior to the goal, Nico’s penalty appeal was turned down by Dintwa after a BDF defender appeared to have handled in the box.  After the goal, BDF XI who used a more relaxed approach kept shape in the middle with man of the match and defensive midfielder, Patrick Motsepe breaking every move by Nico.