9 November 2009
A late equaliser from Notwane striker, Langson Sichola saw the Gaborone giants avoid a second defeat to a debutant side on Saturday as newcomers Motlakase earned a crucial point in a 1-1 draw at the Molepolole Sports Complex.
Notwane were tipped to peel away from their recent poor form with victory over the Palapye side but Motlakase held on for a precious away point. Notwane's lowest point this season is a 2-1 loss to rookies, Killer Giants. The giants are still searching for their first win of the season and remain holed up in the relegation zone.
For Motlakase, it was the second unbeaten game after routing defending champions, Gaborone United 4-1 in a shock result last weekend. The lightweights could have repeated the feat had it not been for a late charge from Notwane.
Motlakase had gone ahead in the 61st minute through a Lesego Moiphemedi goal before the veteran Sichola ensured a share of the spoils with a 78th minute strike.
The first half was a big yawn save for Maxwell Mburayi's shot which went past Notwane goalkeeper, Moabi Tshephe's goal. Mburayi, who limped off with an ankle injury before the end of the first half, could have put Motlakase ahead but failed to take advantage of poor communication between Tshephe and defender Pride Desire Bafana.
The match, played before a sparse crowd was a bore until the 61st minute when Motlakase found the opener. Before the goal, Keoagetse 'Barnes' Radipotsane could have done better but missed after being allowed a free header inside the Motlakase box in the 55th minute.
Motlakase young goalkeeper, Olebile Elias, who was the most outstanding player on the pitch, made a crucial save in the 60th minute, just seconds before his side took the lead.A long ball into the Notwane half saw the gangly Moiphemedi race clear of the defence before calmly lifting the ball past an advancing Tshephe. The goal sparked wild celebrations from the small contingent of travelling Motlakase fans and lifted the otherwise dull encounter.
The introduction of Sichola for Michael Bulaya breathed life into the Notwane attack and suddenly Motlakase was on the back-foot.
Notwane almost found the equaliser in the 77th minute but the Motlakase defence cleared from a goalmouth melee. From the resultant corner, an unmarked Sichola levelled matters with a diving header at the far post.
The home side laid siege on the Motlakase goal searching for the winner and Radipotsane could have done it for Toronto in the 82nd minute but he thumped his effort wide of the upright.
Then the young Elias show began when he produced an assortment of goalkeeping heroics to deny Notwane three times.
He made three point blank saves in situations where the ball had 'goal' written all over it and in the process sustained an injury. But the Motlakase worries were soon lifted when Elias rose to continue with the remainder of the game.
Sichola, who has received a lot of flak for failing to convert chances in the past, watched as his pile driver whistled past the upright deep into injury time.
The Zambian played his heart out and could have won it for Notwane had he been introduced earlier. Notwane coach, Moran Nthoiwa praised his charges for their fighting spirit. He said the future looks bright.
"I have just started working with the team and despite a poor start, I think there is light at the end of the tunnel. The boys are young and need a confidence booster," Nthoiwa said.
Motlakase coach, Benedict Bayani rued his side's failure to cling to the lead. He admitted that Notwane had an upper hand but he was satisfied with the point.
"We wanted to absorb pressure and catch them on the break and we did. Unfortunately, we could not hold on to our lead. I am content but I would have been happier with three points," Bayani said.
Madinda Ndlovu who will take over as new Motlakase coach once he gets his work permit was in the crowd.
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