Lekopanye Mooketsi
2 December 2008
With P1 million at stake the, race for the 2008-2009 Premier League title is proving tough for defending champions Mochudi Centre Chiefs.
By this time last season, Magosi were riding the crest of the waves, brushing aside opponents with contemptuous ease and sauntering away with the title unbeaten.
But this time, things are difficult for Chiefs, which lost its second match on Sunday. Magosi were beaten 2-1 by the high-riding Gaborone United in an exhilarating game at the University of Botswana (UB) Stadium.
Both sides made impressive attacks that nearly led into goals in the first 10 minutes. Chiefs launched many raids while the Reds were more cautious in their approach.
GU striker Tiroyamodimo 'TRX' Mohambi started the game badly and lost possession easily.
It did not come as a surprise when he was substituted before halftime. His strike partner, Sageby Sandaka was also struggling and GU coach, Mike Sithole read the game well and made two first half substitutions.
The score was 0-0 at halftime. Immediately after resumption, GU missed two good chances with indications that it was only a matter of time before they got a goal. Sensing danger, Chiefs sent in Sekhana 'Nandos' Koko early in the first half for the off form Oteng Moalosi.
A few minutes later, dread-locked Ronald Chikomo put GU ahead. The Reds' celebrations were cut short when Chiefs levelled within three minutes. Jomo Moatlhaping cancelled GU's lead before he was replaced by Mpho Mabogo.
The goal spurred the defending champions as they piled pressure on their opponents.
A dangerous GU counter-attack saw Chiefs' goalkeeper, Noah Maposa bring down the deadly Chikomo inside the box and the referee did not hesitate to point to the spot. Sandaka easily converted the penalty, to put GU 2-1 up. Chiefs fought hard for an equaliser but were denied by stout defending by the Reds.
GU keeper, Raphael Nthwane worked over time to keep the marauding Chiefs strikers at bay.There was a dispute on when the referee disallowed what would have been Chiefs' equaliser after a goalmouth melee.
After the match, the referee was put under heavy escort as Chiefs' players protested that he cost them the game. GU coach, Sithole said it was a tough match that would have gone either way as the teams were equally matched.
Playing against Chiefs is sentimental for Sithole because he coached the team last season.He commended the two sides for playing well. Sithole's ambition this season is to clinch the league championship. Last season he led GU to second spot behind Chiefs.
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