21 Feb 2022

Masitaoka strengthened their top eight quest in the Botswana Premier League log with a 2-1 victory over Extension Gunners on Sunday.

Masitaoka, all known as Majatlhaga, took the lead with half an hour gone through Namibian winger, Ambrosias Amseb.

At the end of regulation time, the 27-year-old former Civics FC player, Amseb, completed his brace with a curling free kick that snarled past a Gunners defensive wall to put the game beyond Gunners’ reach.

However, Gunners’ consolation goal was scored with a few seconds left before the end of referee’s optional time.

Dirang Moloi who had a quiet afternoon weaved his magic past a couple of Masitaoka’s backline and hit a cross that was connected by Pako Modikwa.

It was yet another heartbreak for the Peleng side after failing to collect maximum points against their opponents in the first round.

In January, Gunners had led for a good number of minutes into the second half and their former player Bakang Tsholang scored a late equaliser to deny them three points.

Having gone five games without collecting maximum points Masitaoka’s victory pushed them to 21 points and into the eleventh spot five points shy of Morupule Wanderers.

After their impressive scoring spree against Police XI in their last league outing Masitaoka made their intent known as soon as referee Lekgotla Johannes blew his whistle.

Both teams enjoyed a good passing game with little threat coming from the visitors after Odirile Lekoba fluffed a golden chance after breaking through.

The visitors were often times caught on the counter but the home side looked indecisive in front of goal.

However, they were unlucky after one of their passes was intercepted in the middle of the park and Amseb slotted past a hapless Isaac Moyo.

Desired Bafana failed to restore parity moments later as his header bounced off the upright after being set up by an excellent flick from a throw in.

At the start of the second stanza, Masitaoka never made any attempt to attack but relied on a more defensive approach.

Patrick Kaunda and Tsholang combined well upfront and made several threats.

Modikwa who was introduced at the break made a nippy turn and his half volley forced a spectacular save from Kabelo Kuti in Masitaoka’s goal.

Gunners top scorer Kabelo Babusi who had a bad day at office failed to take his goal tally to 14 when he ballooned Moloi’s pass way off the mark.

In other league matches played over the weekend, Prisons XI woes continued after losing 1-2 to Security Systems, BDF XI and Sua Flamingoes shared the spoils, Orapa United beat Morupule Wanderers 1-0, Railway Highlanders beat Police 3-1 while Mogoditshane Fighters beat Gilport Lions 2-0. Ends