Nico stun Sankoyo in Maun
Boniface Keakabetse | Monday April 27, 2015 16:21
Musonda, who was unmarked, converted from a cross in the 23rd minute after Sankoyo defence failed to clear.
Sankoyo defence have of recent been suspect at the back especially when it comes to dealing with crosses. Nico came into the game without Onkabetse Mankgantai while Sankoyo were also without Omaatla Kebatho who were with the national Under-23 team.
The Maun based side was also without their trusted marksman Morris Ruzivo and midfield Mmoloki Kafuko through injuries. Ruzivo reportedly picked up an injury during training on Thursday. Sankoyo coach, Philani Mabhena replaced Kafuko who usually play in front of defence with another Zimbabwean player, Shelton Sibanda who failed to tick in the first half. Nico were the best side especially in the first half pressing for an early goal. After the goal, they sat back and defemded their solitary goal.
At the beginning of the second half, Sankoyo brought in Wabuya Aebe for Sibanda and began playing some enterprising football.
Nico on the other hand, defended in numbers. Nico coach, Wesley Mondo made two substitutions to strengthen his defence with Thatayotlhe Gaokgorwe coming in for Samson Mogotsi while Monametsi Kelebale replaced Livingstone witness. Sankoyo enjoyed most of the possession in the second half with Nico playing against their backs for the entire 25 minutes.
Jackson Lesole was the live wire for Sankoyo with Nico defence failing to keep up with his pace on the right wing. Sankoyo thought they had leveled matters in the 75th minute, but it was not to be as Nico defence successively cleared three times from the goal line.
After the game, Mondo revealed it was their game plan to get an early goal and sit back. He said they came prepared as they knew Sankoyo play well especially at home so they had a plan to contain the pressure.
He said the three points will help them move up the table depending on the performance of other teams.
Mabhena said the loss will move them into the relegation zone after having been docked three points for using a defaulter. He, however, said they are optimistic that they could still finish in the top eight from their three remaining matches. “Were are at 32 minus all the six deducted points, but we can still accumulate 38 points which may get us in the top eight,” he said.
The line-ups:
Sankoyo: Basimanebotlhe Moilwa, Kealeboga Molebatsi, Moagi Sechele, Refilwe Senyane, Shelton Sibanda (Wabuya Aebe), Wazha Seleka, Thero Setsile (Thandazane Ndlovu), Modiredi Matengu, Thato Monowe, Onkagetse Mojwaine (Gangalelwe Dipateletso), Jackson Lesole
Nico: Kagiso Rankabekwa, Richard Legwaila Otsile Batang, Livingstone Witness (Monametsi Kelebale), Samson Mogomotsi (Thatayotlhe Gaokgorwe), Lucas Mothata Trinity Terence Nko, Khumoetsile Kufigwa (Shabby Nsongamali), Onkabetse seforo, Taboka Daniel, Christopher Musonda