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Botswana: Chiefs Blunt Santos' Challenge
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Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone)
17 March 2008
Posted to the web 17 March 2008
Boitumelo Khutsafalo
Though anything is possible, it is now very clear that Mochudi Centre Chiefs will be crowned the Mascom Premier League champions this season.
The Kgatleng giants strengthened their bid on Friday after they overcame their closest challengers, Uniao Flamengo Santos 2-1 in an exciting game at UB Stadium on Friday night. The question that still remains is whether Chiefs will clinch the title without a loss.
The unbeaten Magosi have not only been playing the best football but they have been pulling crowds in every game they have played. UB Stadium on Friday was no exception as it was packed to capacity.
It is clear that supporters of other clubs have been attending Chiefs' games in large numbers, perhaps to witness Magosi suffer its first defeat in the Premier League this season. Alternatively, the supporters might be attracted by Magosi's good football.
For Santos, the Friday defeat was a heavy blow, as they needed to beat Chiefs to revive their slim hopes of clinching the title.
The challengers clearly missed top marksman, Botlhe 'Ringo' Rankgomo. For the better part of the game, Santos did not threaten Chiefs' goal because the striking force was weak. They were however strong in the midfield where Vincent Phiri was again instrumental. Despite conceding two goals, Santos' defence looked tight.
Chiefs' on-form striker Jerome Ramatlhakwana showed once again how lethal he is. He scored a brilliant goal in the second half after Mpho Mabogo had put Chiefs' 1-0 ahead in the first half.
He received a good ball and beat his marker with pace and strength before unleashing a cracker to the far post to give Santos' goalkeeper, Raphael Nthwane no chance. Santos got their goal late in the second half after catching Chiefs' defence napping.
The victory means that Chiefs have 54 points with eight games to finish the league. There is a difference of 16 points between them and Santos with a game in hand.
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Gaborone United (GU) lie third with 32 points.
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