17 Nov 2021

Botswana football’s sleeping giant, Notwane, on Tuesday night registered their first three points on the Botswana Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Mogoditshane Fighters at the National Stadium.

Aobakwe Tshobo scored a stoppage time winner to hand Notwane a hard fought triumph; sealing his brace, having first opened the scoring sheet in the first half before Ernest Tawazadza equalized for the Samba Boys early in the second half.

The etymology of the two football sides’ names can be traced to two of Gaborone’s features- the Notwane and Segoditshane rivers; which, along with the Kgale and Oodi hills on either side of the capital define Gaborone’s topography.

The two clubs- seven time champions between them- were once feared but after a period of slumber have started the season with more modest expectations.

But, Notwane and Fighters still dished a competitive fixture on the night.

Notwane were the dominant side of a high intensity first half.

Their midfield of Thato Mogorosi, Thato Moganana and Terry  Mbuque took charge from the onset in a 4-3-3 formation.

It took 17 minutes for Tshobo to break the deadlock, netting past Fighters goal minder, Edwin Mokibe to make it 1-0.

Fighters tried to make a comeback, but Notwane continued with the upper hand and could have gone to the break two goals up only for Tshobo to miss a gilt edged chance on the stroke of half time.

Fighters entered the second half determined to draw level and in the 53rd minute Tawazadza equalised.

Notwane brought in fresh legs in 18-year-old Shawn Theron replacing Mbuque and Charles Mujukeri coming on for winger Thero Ntau.

On one hand, Fighters made a double substitution; Phenyo Lebopo and Kagiso Mokaeya for Lemogang Kabo and Mooketsi Gareonne.

The game became tight with the two sides cancelling each other out in the middle of the park and little goalmouth action in the final third.

Just when it looked as if the game was headed for a stalemate, Tshobo struck in the 90th minute to hand Notwane the 2-1 victory.

With all 16 premier league sides now having played three games Notwane moved to position 12 on three points after two losses and the single victory, while Fighters stayed seventh on four points after a win, draw and the loss.

Next up for the Samba Boys is an away fixture against Morupule Wanderers in Serowe on Friday night while Toronto will face Gilport Lions on Saturday afternoon at the National Stadium. ENDS