04 May 2022

Gaborone United have inched closer to winning the 2021/22 Botswana Premier League title. They defeated Masitaoka through a Kennedy Amutenya goal at Lobatse Sports Complex  on Tuesday.

The Reds are now four points clear of second placed Township Rollers, who dropped crucial points following a two-all draw with Security Systems at the National Stadium.

GU have collected 64 points from 26 matches and hold a game in hand over their arch rivals.

They now need six points from their remaining four matches to wrap up their first league title since the epic final day triumph of the 2008/09 season.

Although not at their best, GU controlled the match with Mpho Kgaswane and Thatayaone Ramatlapeng dictating proceedings. They took the lead in the ninth minute when centre back Amutenya rose high to head in a corner kick from Ramatlapeng.

GU continued searching for more goals with Thero Setsile wasting a chance after Masitaoka goalkeeper, Kabelo Kuti, failed to deal with a cross from Thatayaone Kgamanyane. Kuti then saved a powerful shot from Kgaswane in the 20th minute.

Masitaoka offered little in attack in the first half with their Namibian dangerman, Ambrosius Amseb, and captain Patrick Kaunda pocketed by the GU solid defence. GU goalkeeper,

Goitseone Phoko, had a tame header from Kaunda in the 24th minute as his only real save in the first half.

Masitaoka fullbacks, Oabile Makopo and Eric Tjizake, had a tough time dealing with Kgamanyane and Setsile.

Masitaoka showed more courage after the break with Makopo forcing a good save from Phoko in the 47th minute.

Ramatlapeng twice came close to doubling the lead midway through the second half, while Kuti kept his team in the match by saving a powerful shot from Kgamanyane in 72nd minute.

GU substitute Onkabetse Makgantai then headed a glorious opportunity wide in 82nd minute before Tshepo Malgas ballooned a close range shot over the posts as chances went begging for the Reds. Phoko kept the lead intact by saving two late chances from the opposition.

Masitaoka remain on position 11 with 32 points from 27 matches. ENDS