Orapa United squander promotion chance

Chakalisa Dube & Shingirai Madondo
Staff Writer Correspondent | Monday May 27, 2013 00:00

 

United needed only a win to seal their promotion as Tonota FC held second placed Satmos to a 1-1 draw on the same day.But it was not to be as they tasted their first loss this season. Satmos who still have a game in hand had accumulated 40 points prior to their match against Tonota while Orapa had 52 ahead of the clash against Two-Two-Five.

A win for Orapa United would have meant automatic qualification if Satmos faltered as they did. The Orapa side now needs two points from their remaining three games to realise their dreams.The first half of the Saturday clash was nothing to write home about save for Two-Two Five's right-winger, Olebogeng Sekani's long-range shot that hit the upright in the 44th minute. In the second half, Two-Two-Five emerged a rejuvenated side creating numerous opportunities.

They nearly got the lead in the 51st when former TAFIC striker, Tamucha Bedi's close range shot went agonisingly wide. Seconds later, his younger brother, Kwangu came face to face with goalkeeper, Kaelo Joseph, but sent his shot wide. In the 71st minute the impressive Sekani was thwarted by Joseph as Two-Two-Five threatened again.

The senior Bedi showed his predatory instincts with about 14 minutes to go when he calmly beat Joseph who looked suspect in the entire match with a low drive from with the edge of the box. Orapa's only notable opportunity came in the dying moments of the match when defender, Buyani Mbulawa's free-kick was parried back into play by the alert Mpho Besi.

Elsewhere at Rutwang JSS Grounds in Tonota, Pontsho Sephutho gave home side, Tonota FC the lead early in the second half, but Kediemetse Radikoko equalised for Satmos with nine minutes before the final whistle.Relegation haunted Tonota FC started the game like a house on fire and got three consecutive corners in the first five minutes.

Satmos goalkeeper, Letlhogonolo Selebogo was the busier of the two goalkeepers. Tonota FC failed to utilise the few chances they created and their goalkeeper, Thabo Race made his first save in the 25th minute, blocking Mgcini Sibanda's low drive from just outside the box. The home side defended well, but were let down by a punchless attack.