Angels have now registered two wins in a row for the first time in the elite league.
They have won three games so far. On the flipside, despite their massive investment in playing personnel and intensive preparation (in the off season), Flamingoes have flattered to deceive this season.
Ahead of the Angrls clash, they had only managed three points in five league outings. Already there are reports that Gumbo’s sacking is imminent with former Morupule Wanderers coach Daniel Nare widely tipped to replace him.
Nare was sacked by Morupule last week. Gumbo is usually quiet on the touchline but on Saturday he was a little bit animated, perhaps as a sign that he is slowly getting frustrated because his side is struggling to click.
Even his assistant Kopano Phakedi conceded in a post-match interview that it is frustrating not to get results after a good pre-season. “Sometimes things do not just go your way. We will keep on working hard and motivating the boys with the hope of getting results,” he added.
Flamingoes had the first real chance of the match in 11th minute but skipper Tendai Nyumasi ballooned his effort from inside the box over the bar. Flamingoes would rue their missed opportunity a minute later when Angels got the lead.
Monty Enosa easily slotted the ball past the visitor’s goalkeeper, Kenneth Mmoko, after pouncing on a loose ball inside the goal area. Flamingoes were unlucky to find an equaliser in the 20th when Nyumasi’s well taken shot was blocked by defender Marcus Maokaneng. Gumbo’s side was not bad in terms of possession. They, however, lacked urgency upfront and it was not surprising when Nyumasi was hauled off in the 33rd minute. Nyumasi appeared to be struggling with the pace of the game and coordinating attacks for his side.
The visitors found their much needed equaliser four minutes before the break. Defender Samuel Makgoro converted from the resultant penalty after an Angels defender was adjudged to have handled inside the box.
The host regained the lead four minutes after the break when Ronnie Leagetse tapped in a long throw from Shanganani Nganda. Seconds later, Leagetse could have taken the game beyond reach for Flamingoes but his effort from distance was acrobatically tipped over the bar by Mmoko. Substitute Mooketsi Leotwana thought he had found the equaliser for Flamingoes on the 69th minute but his shot hit the post with the goalkeeper looking well beaten. Flamingoes did find the equaliser in the 82nd minute.
Leotwana slotted home from close range after Angels goalkeeper, Tambani Bachopi, failed to handle a cross from the left side of the pitch.
The game looked even towards the latter stages and Angels should count themselves lucky for having found the decisive winner in 90th minute. Flamingoes defender Brian Botsang, turned the ball into his own net after failing to deal with a cross from Nganda down the left side of the pitch.
The teams: Angels: Tambani Bachopi, Maokaneng, Fungai Muzila, Theo Masuo, Nganda, Leagetse, Mompati Mmeshe, Mompati Mbizo (Ofentse Mbaiwa), Tshokolo Sebawe (Keletso Ogotseng), Monty Enosa, Bakang Mpatane (Batshani Bee)
Flamingoes: Kenneth Mmoko, Kemoneetswe Mmangwedi (Mpho Steven), Kaone Van der Westhuizen (Mooketsi Leotwane), Brian Botsang, Goitseone Legopelo, Mpho Odubeng, Ronald Ramokgathadi, Tendai Nyumasi (Samuel Makgoro), Dominic Chungwa, Tiroyaone Maome, Goitseone Mponang (Kealeboga Molebatsi)
Eleven Angels 3 (Enosa 12th, Leagetse 49th, Botsang OG 90th) Flamingoes 2 (Makgoro 41st, Leotwana 82nd,
