Santos, Prisons in a stalemate
Teichler Rankoa | Monday September 15, 2014 15:41
Santos , who came to the game with a mission to redeem themselves after their first First Division league game loss against Mogoditshane Fighters a fortnight ago started attacking their opponents from the word go.
The game started at a high pace with either side showing intentions of finding the opener in the early minutes of the first half, but it was Santos who managed to take control of the game.
Feeling the pressure, Prisons XI defenders started making some mistakes and Santos forwards capitalized on that with a beautiful goal from Lebogang Jabari in the 22th minute.
After this goal Santos continued to pile more pressure. The referee awarded a free kick, which was well taken by Santos captain Alfred Manyozo as Prisons’ defenders failed to clear the ball resulting in a beautiful second goal from unmarked Eric Molefhi in the 40th minute. Heading to the last minutes of the first half, Prisons XI took control of the game from a lackadaisical Santos and netted via Taelo Nthomiwa before recess. This was after Santos’ Goitseone Kusane was judged to have fouled Prisons XI’s Otsebentlha Magowe outside the box , and Nthomiwa stepped up to curle into the net.
Santos went to recess leading 2-1.
Prisons XI entered the second half a better organised side and soon found the equaliser through Tatenda Mbikiwa in the 50th minute who beat Santos defenders, Boy Mokgweetsi and Goitseone Kusane before coming face to face with goalkeeper Tshepho Kgotlamotho whom he rounded off t to put his team back into the game.
In the 60th minute Santos right winger Molefhi crossed a dangerous ball into Prisons yard to give Mosimanegape Pelaelo a free header but his efforts went over the bar. Both teams’ created numerous scoring changes but were guilty of fluffing their chances..
After the game Santos’ coach Innocent Ranku told Monitor Sport that they played well in the first half, and could have wrapped the game before recess, but his charges wasted a lot of chances. He noted that they had control of the game, managed to get two goals, but his boys got too excited and undermined their opponents, who capitalised on that.
Prisons XI manager Kgosietsile Loeto said his boys respected their opponents in the first half, only to react late, but was happy with a point against a tough side like Santos, adding that the game was good considering that the league has just started.