06 Nov 2022

Sankoyo Bush Bucks and Tafic played to a one-all draw in a Debswana First Division North League game in Maun on Saturday.

The visiting Tafic were determined to seize an early goal as they pilled pressure on the hosts.

The Francistown team, opened the score line in the 12th minute through Nicolas Batlang who jolted a brilliant shot from the left flank that seemed too good for Sankoyo’s goalkeeper to stop.

Tafic seemed more organised in the first half especially in the midfield and defence while the hosts looked incoherent and sloppy in defence.

The home side also lacked confidence and pace, hence failing to convert chances from two corner kicks as Tafic defenders were up to the task and made comfortable stops.

The visiting team could have increased the lead but it wasted numerous opportunities in the first half.

After the recess, Sankoyo, aka Ngurungu  was forced to make early substitutions introducing their veteran striker Gaongalelwe ‘Ngale’ Dipateletso and Remoneilwe Mosia.

Ngale’s combination with midfielder, Kgakgamatso Juta changed the complexion of the game in the first 10 minutes of the second half.

The duo were a tower of strength for the Ngurungu boys as they made the all important breakthrough and got the equaliser in the 52nd minute from the boot of Juta.

The goal weakened Tafic’s tempo as Sankoyo’s Dipateletso continued to shine, making attempts but his strike from a narrow angle was parried to safety by Tafic goal keeper at the near post.

Sankoyo could have buried Tafic in the second half had they utilised their many chances.

In an interview, the newly appointed Tafic head coach, Mohambi Saulosi gave credit to the hosts noting they gave his boys a competitive game.

He appreciated that his boys had an upper hand in the first half but went down in the second half.

“We came determined to collect maximum points, but our counterparts denied us the opportunity because in the last part of the game we were deep and could not attack well and the Ngurungu boys capitalised on our mistakes,” he explained.

However, Saulosi said a draw was not bad and promised to work hard on the remaining encounters as they were eying promotion to the elite league.

He said they intended to look for an experienced goalkeeper once the transfer window opens.

Sankoyo assistant coach, Phaphane Likha also gave credit to his boys saying they played to their best capabilities in the first game of the season.

Their performance, he said, was much better as compared to last season and hoped the boys would increase the standard as they aimed to bounce back to premier league.

He said although his players were more offensive in the second half, they failed to utilise chances to take the lead.  “We are building a strong squad as our target is to secure a spot in the elite league as champions at the end of the season,” he said. ENDS