Tshepo Molwane
2 November 2009
Gaborone — Extension Gunners' fans erupted into wild celebrations after their side narrowly beat Police XI 1-0 in a be MOBILE Premier League game played in a chilly weather at the UB Stadium on Friday night.
When referee Uyapo Julius blew the final whistle, some supporters sitting at the eastern side of the stadium erupted into song and dance ignoring the rain, which fell for most part of the game.
It was Burundian Christopher Ndayishime who struck in referee's optional time to hand the Jungle Kings their third defeat of the season. The striker benefited from a goal-mouth scramble and with Police XI rearguard failing to clear the ball, he pounced to get Gunners maximum points.
Interestingly, when the Burundian was brought in as a substitute for Ofentse Mmipi in the 60th minute, most supporters protested. Some said he has been wasteful in front of goal in recent games but he responded with the all- important winner on Friday.
It was a good result for Mapantsula after a controversial 2-1 defeat to Mochudi Centre Chiefs recently. Gunners started the game against Police XI well, raiding their opponents' half but wasted chances with captain Monametsi 'Sunday' Kelebale and Bernard Semakwezi being the main culprits. The story of missed chances continued in the second half with Maano Ditshupo wasting the best opportunity of the game in the 65th minute.
Gunners welcomed back their prodigal son Kemmy Pilato from national team duty. He performed with distinction in place of Botshelo Mogotsi.
Police XI had chances but failed to utilise them with captain Richard Mwanza missing from close range midway through the game. In the 33rd minute, Jackie Mothatego tested Gunners' goalkeeper Ntungamile Tshoganetso, who parried the snap shot away for a corner. Both sides struggled with keeping possession due to rain and heavy wind.
Despite conceding an easy late goal, credit has to go to Police XI centre-backs Canny Gaontebale and Agisanyang Ramaabya who frustrated Gunners' forwards throughout the game. Since joining Police XI from Notwane during the 2008-2009 season, Gaontebale has been a pillar of strength and the arrival of Ramaabya seems to be a blessing for the Jungle Kings.
However, Police XI assistant coach Summer Ncube was disappointed with his defence at the end of the game. "This was a 50-50 game and our defence must learn to concentrate throughout the game. We were not supposed to concede like that because when you're in that position, you just kick the ball forward," he lamented. Gunners' coach Daniel 'Chicco' Nare said his team played well from the first whistle but as has been the case in the past games, they missed golden opportunities.
He said they could have gone to recess leading by at least two goals. "It was going to be painful if we could have lost the game after creating so many chances.
These are the things which cost coaches their jobs and my players have to start taking responsibility," he said.
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