Orapa United, Nico In Goalless Draw
Imi Mokgethi | Monday December 5, 2016 15:06
With only five minutes into the game, Majombolo’s Godknows Mutina gave the Ostriches’ goalkeeper, Kaelo Joseph his first real test, but Joseph was on high alert and managed to make a save.
In the 13th minute, Nico’s defence comprising Lucas Mothata, Mpoeleng Mpoeleng and Bokamoso Mbabo made an error that gave Omaatla Kebatho a golden opportunity, which he failed to utilise. Five minutes later, Nico United’s Lovemore Bogatsu’s goal was ruled offside. Towards the end of the first half, the battle gained momentum, but both sides failed to convert the numerous opportunities created. In the second half, both teams came guns blazing with Orapa United having a slight upper hand. The Ostriches made several visits to Nico’s goal posts but Nico United goalkeeper, Otsile Ben fought with all he had. The Ostriches on the other hand surely did not have any scoring luck as their strikers kept on missing opportunities that could have easily been converted into goals. The second half also did not yield any scores even though there were a number of substitutes on both sides.
Nico United coach, Dean Mwiinde admitted that his boys had many chances, but failed to utilise them. He, however, stated that their play has immensely improved adding that being able to draw against one of the BTC Premiership giants is an indication that his boys are indeed on the right path.
“We needed the three points more than our opponents, but unfortunately we only managed to get a point. All is not lost as we still have other games ahead that we need to win to ensure that we secure a spot in the Top 8,” he said. He added that their main focus will be on improving their finishing to avoid wasting opportunities as they prepare to take on BDF XI on Wednesday. The Ostriches coach, Madinda Ndlovu highlighted that they are struggling with winning their afternoon games since the beginning of the season. “Today we were a better team in terms of creating opportunities that we missed although those chances were easier to score than to miss. This is a worrying factor for us this season and we are working on fixing that,” he said. He added that the absence of some key players due to injuries also had a significant role in their failure to win the match, stating that their attacking force was made up of new players who had to adapt to the team’s play style.
The line-ups:
Nico United: Otsile Ben, Lucas Mothata, Mpoeleng Mpoeleng, Bokamoso Mbabo, Lovemore Bogatsu, Mogopodi Seithamo, Nelson Moreetsi, Tlotlo Mpema (Gift Moyo), Baboloki Tathego, Godknows Mutina, Costain Muleya (Mogakolodi Balatotse)
Orapa United: Kaelo Joseph, Kealeboga Molebatsi, Thabang Mosige, Olekantse Mambo, Lesenya Ramoraka, Kemmy Pilato, Obonye Moswate, Tendai Nyumasi, Ronaldo Chikomo, Omaatla Kebatho (Khumoetsile Kufigwa), Zebron Njobvu (Baboloki Makhura)
Nico United 0
Orapa United 0