Sankoyo stun Chiefs
Boniface Keakabetse | Monday August 24, 2015 13:59
Ngurungu who lost their first two premier league games, rose to the occasion and redeemed themselves by collecting three points from the high riding Magosi to send the village in to all night celebrations.
The game attracted a large crowd and by halftime, hundreds were still negotiating their way into the stadium as the organisers had not opened other gates. Chiefs started the game as expected dominating possession, winning the first corner of the game in the first three minutes, but with not much impact. Most of the time, Sankoyo sat back and relied on counter attacks.
Ngurungu’s first chance came Morris Ruzivo’s way, releasing a powerful shot, which Sephekolo parried back into play, but there was no one to make it count. The goal came in the 38th minute after the referee gave Sankoyo a free kick just outside the box.
This was after defender Charles Mutero fouled Sankoyo striker Gaongalelwe Dipateletso. Ruzivo curled the ball over Sephekolo to send the stadium into frenzy. The game went into half time with Sankoyo leading 1-0.
After the break, Magosi came back looking more determined and pinned Sankoyo in their half. It paid off in the 48th minute after defender, Refilwe Senyawe handled the ball and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Kaelo Kgaswane slotted in at his second bite of the cherry after Basimanebotlhe Moilwa had volleyed the initial shot back for him to successfully score on second attempt.
Chiefs were determined to bury the game forcing Sankoyo on its back. Mike Sithole made two substitutions replacing Senatla Molefhe with Onalethata Tshekiso while Jackie Mothatego also made way for Lemponye Tshireletso. Tshireletso made an immediate impact releasing a powerful shot that beat Moilwa, but not the cross bar.
Chiefs were enjoying possession, but Sankoyo looked dangerous on the wings. Ruzivo should have scored in the 65th minute after receiving a pass from Thero Setsile and finding himself with only the keeper to beat, but shooting over the bar. Sankoyo’s winning goal came in the 83rd minute when Dipateletso headed home from a corner. Chiefs then mounted pressure in search of an equaliser to no avail.
In a post-match interview, Sithole attributed his team’s poor showing to fatigue and hinted that psychologically his players had underestimated Sankoyo. He said his team failed to play its normal game adding that his defence played badly as they conceded both goals from the set pieces. Sithole said at times losing against smaller teams is an eye opener and enough motivation going forward in the campaign.
Ngrurungu caretaker coach, Gadimang Tiiso was as expected a happy man, saying everything went according to plan. He said they came into the game knowing they could not match Chiefs technically and physically and therefore set back and relied on their strength; speed to catch Chiefs on a counter. Tiiso also praised their new signing from Notwane football Club, Keorapetse Seleiso noting that he is the one who won them the game from his operations in the heart of the midfield. “He is not yet used to our game but he played well,” he said.
The line-ups:
Sankoyo: Basimanebotlhe Moilwa, Moagi Sechele, Gorata Keorapetse, Refilwe Senyane, Wazha Seleka, Keorapetse Blondy Seleiso, Jackson Lesole, Morris Ruzivo (Thopho Motheng), Gaongalelwe Dipateletso, Kutwelo Mpolokang (Rodney Buka), Thero Setsile
Chiefs: Mompoloki Sephekolo, Othusitse Pilane, Kaelo Kgaswane, Charles Mutero, Keabetswe Jenamiso, Lesego Galenamothale, Pontsho Moloi (Mkkhanyesle Siwahla), Jackie Mothatego (Lemponye Tshireletso) Keaketswe Moloi, Tendai Nyumasi, Senatla Molefhe (Onalethata Tshekiso)