Angels gained promotion after thumping Mochudi Centre Chiefs 5-0 in a play-off match second leg played at the old Francistown Stadium on Saturday.
The major highlight of the match was ugly scenes that broke out just moments after the Angels' first goal in the 19th minute.
For the whole week, Francistown authorities have been encouraging residents in the city to rally behind the team and the response was very positive as the residents filled the 7,500-sitter stadium to near capacity.
Businesses and well-wishers also generously contributed some funds to assist the club prepare for the do or die clash. Angels responded in fashion totally outclassing their much-fancied opponents in the second leg play-off, after the first round, which was played in Mochudi more than a week ago ended in a stalemate.
For the first 15 minutes Magosi looked like that they had settled into the match. Even Angels mentor Seemo Mpatane admitted that his side played very ‘ugly’ in the first stages of the match.
They did find the opener in the 19th minute despite their bad start. Magosi defender Arnold Mampori was adjudged to have fouled an Angels player inside the box and forward Desmond Mtukufa converted from the resultant penalty. The goal triggered ugly scenes from the main stand as fans from both sides started throwing bottles at each other.
The source of the commotion remains a mystery but there is speculation that the violent scenes were fuelled by Angels fans who spilled beer on the visiting supporters when celebrating the opening goal. The ugly scenes lasted for more than 30 minutes. Several fans sustained injuries while players and match officials had to seek refuge in the dressing rooms.
The match was restarted from the 21st minute after the soldiers and the police officers were roped in to intervene. Chiefs never looked like an intact side from the restart and found themselves trailing by two goals in the 29th minute. Mompati Mbidzo connected with captain Bakang Mpatane’s well taken corner. Mtukufa completed his brace three minutes later through a header after another telling delivery from the left side. Angels were in total control until the break, with skipper Bakang Mpatane dictating terms from the middle.
In the second half, Mtukufa missed a chance to complete a hat-trick after his shot was blocked by an advancing Chiefs goalkeeper, Tshenolo Letshelea following a quick transition by Angels. Seventeen-year old Monty Enosa, gave the visitors’ defenders a torrid time with his clever runs. In the 76th minute Chiefs paid a heavy price for pressing Angels in search of a goal. Enosa rounded the goalkeeper before firing home the fourth goal, after a counter attack by the hosts. Five minutes later Fungai Muzila produced a replica of Enosa’s goal to seal an eventful day for his side.
There was nothing to play for Chiefs towards the dying moments of the match while Angels were content with keeping possession. Angels coach Mpatane said in a post-match interview: “We started badly but the chaos that happened gave me approximately 45 minutes to be with the players and cool their nerves. That is why we were able to regain control of the match after the restart. It has been a season of ups and downs but I want to thank Francistown residents for coming in numbers.”
The teams:
Angels: Keletso Lekuni, Marcus Maokaneng, Kefilwe Sekgopi, Ofentse Ntesang, Fungai Muzila, Mompati Mmeshe, Mompati Mbidzo, Bakang Mpatane, Desmond Mtokufa (Tebogo Ishmael), Tshokolo Sebawe (Keletso Ogotseng), Monty Enosa Chiefs: Tshenolo Letshelea, Maatla Magosha, Gomotsang Tselaesele, Bokamoso Mbambo, Donald Rapulane, Arnold Mampori, Malvin Moyo, Alfred Gopolang, Patrick Jackalas, Khumoetsile Kufigwa, Ishmael Metlhaleng
Angels 5 (Mtukufa 19th, 32nd, Mbidzo 29th, Enosa 76th, Muzila 81st) Chiefs 0
