Gaborone — Defending champions, Gaborone United (GU) registered their first victory of the season by thumping hapless rookies, Killer Giants 3-0 in a be MOBILE Premier League match at the University of Botswana Stadium on Wednesday night.

This was Killer Giants' second consecutive 3-0 loss after a similar defeat at the hands of Police XI in Molepolole on Sunday. GU have had a slow start to the season and before the game on Wednesday, they had only managed three draws against BMC, Notwane and ECCO City Greens. The victory moved the Reds from 13th spot on the log to seventh with six points. New recruit, Botlhe Rankgomo grabbed a brace and in the process scored his first goal for the club. With influential captain, Joseph Phetogo out with an injury, coach Mike Sithole partnered Gobonyeone 'Shoes' Selefa with Tumisang Sekanonyana in central defence with Kenny Ledikwe occupying the right back position in the absence of Gabriel Bokhutlo. Former Uniao Flamengo Santos' midfielder, Vincent Phiri made his debut for GU playing alongside Ofentse Nato in midfield.

The Ramotswa-based Killer Giants did not play well although there were moments when they strung a couple of passes but they failed to unlock the GU rearguard. Their experienced midfielders, Bashin Tlhammano and Donald Mopako struggled to match their opponents and it was not surprising when they were both substituted in the second half.

Former Gunners' winger, Othusitse Modukanele however had a good game down the left but his crosses always found his strikers locked up by the GU defence.

GU scored their first goal in the 13th minute from the penalty spot. Phiri released a perfect through ball to strikerSageby Sandaka who was brought down by Killer Giants' goalkeeper, Mxolisi Sobada. The referee did not hesitate to point to the spot. Sandaka stood up to score the spot kick for a 1-0 halftime score. A minute after the re-start, GU scored their second goal through Rankgomo. Sandaka intercepted a pass and released Rankgomo who caught Killer Giants' defence off-guard to slot past Sobada. Seven minutes later, GU increased the lead when Rankgomo capitalised on Sobada's blunder to complete his brace.

The goalkeeper made amends when he pulled two great saves in the 82nd and 90th minutes to deny Sandaka and substitute, Mandla Mgadla. Killer Giants now find themselves in 13th position with four points from five games. They play BMC in Lobatse tomorrow while GU travel to Francistown to play Motlakase.