21 Mar 2022

Gaborone United thrashed Prisons XI 7-0 on Sunday to move four points clear of arch rivals, Township Rollers, at the top of the Botswana Premier League log.

Thatayaone Kgamanyane and Thero Setsile were stars of the show as the Reds sparkled at Lobatse Sports Complex to equal their biggest win of the season.

In a one sided encounter, Thatayaone Ramatlapeng signalled the Reds’ intentions with a low shot in the second minute that tested Prisons’ goalkeeper Tshepo Mooketsi. 

It was one way traffic afterwards with Setsile opening the floodgates in the 11th minute with a diving header from Kgamanyane’s beautiful cross. 

Mooketsi saved a curling shot from Onkabetse Makgantai and a powerful effort from Setsile as the Prisons’ rearguard of Moabi Sebele and Tshepiso Matshuba was easily sliced open. 

Setsile doubled the lead with a deft flick in the 36th minute from another assist by Kgamanyane, who  dribbled past two defenders inside the penalty area.

The Warders’ first clear scoring opportunity only came in the 43rd minute but Kitso Mpuisang failed to trouble GU goalkeeper, Goitseone Phoko, as he hit his shot wide. 

Mpho Kgaswane, who sprayed passes around throughout the match, dummied a defender before drilling in a low shot to extend the lead in the 45th minute after receiving a pass from Kgamanyane on the edge of the penalty area. 

After providing three assists in the first half, Kgamanyane scored the fourth goal in the 47th minute after being given space by Prisons’ left back Arnold Ntlogelang. 

Makgantai tapped in the fifth in the 60th minute from a square ball to make it 5-0 after good build up play by Ramatlapeng and Setsile.

With victory assured, GU made a raft of substitutions as Obonwe Maome, Sizwe Twala, goalkeeper Ookeditse Semelamela, debutant Ronel Manyanga and captain Alphonse Modisaotsile were introduced in quick succession.

Manyanga scored with his first touch in the elite league in the 70th minute while Twala was denied his first goal in GU colours when a defender blocked his effort on the line. 

He then wasted a glorious opportunity while clear on goal as the Warders’ defence collapsed. The striker however made amends by creating Kgamanyane’s 17th league goal of the season in the 86th minute, moments after Mpuisang had ballooned a good opportunity for Prisons.

The lopsided victory was a repeat of the scoreline between the two sides in the first round. 

It took GU to 57 points from 23 matches as the Reds push for their first league title since 2009. 

Prisons on one hand remained on position 12 with 24 points from 24 matches. Ends