01 Dec 2022

Gaborone United (GU) continued their campaign to defend the premier league title by walloping Police XI 3-0 in Molepolole on Wednesday.

Despite both teams playing at par in the first half, GU created several chances which were fruitless, but it was evident that they were keen to gather necessary points in their quest to retain the title.

On one hand, the strategy by Police XI to play safe and close GU striking force proved futile as their defense began to be porous from the break and the combination of Thatayaone Ramatlapeng, Tshepo Malgas and Thero Setsile began to cause havoc in their 18th area.

Even though Police XI’s Hendrick Moyo, Pako Gaofose and Kitso Matapa created chances for their team, they failed to break the GU defense as their captain Thato Kebue, Kennedy Amutenya and Alford Velaphi closed all their scoring opportunities.

The breakthrough for GU came in the 66th minute through Malgas who put in a swift shoot that Police XI goalkeeper, Kamogelo Mogomotsi, could not stop.

Moyagoleele gained momentum from the goal as they piled more pressure Police XI.

Ten minutes after the first goal, Thatayaone Kgamanyane scored with a l header from a cross by Ramatlapeng.

The goals bore a negative energy on Police XI as they began to lose ball possession easily and GU took advantage of the sloppiness and piled more pressure.

Moyo of Police XI failed to take responsibility to score in the 82nd minute when he was left unmarked and a cross found him face to face with Goitseone Phoko but wasted the opportunity.

Malgas cemented their victory when he scored his second goal in the 89th minute.

GU assistant coach, Pontsho Moloi, said in an interview said that the first 30 minutes of the game were not pleasant, but afterwards the players began to settle.

He said they had a brilliant second half, which saw them score three goals and attributed the substitutions to their victory.

“Straight from half time, we made substitutions and we started moving the ball, created chances and the boys scored”.

Moloi said they were happy to have won the valuable points especially from their weekend draw which forced them to change their game plan in order to win.

Police XI head coach, Maitumelo Lotlamoreng, said they had a good first half as they planned it well and played safe hoping to capitalise on the second half.

He said unfortunately that was their undoing as they began to make openings at the back which GU capitalised on and were punished.

Lotlamoreng said despite his side having great players, they did not play to expectation but believed for improvement and a better game plan in games ahead, given that the league has just began.

“We have to rectify our mistakes. Even though this is our second loss, we need to come up with strategy to win in our remaining games. We are taking each game as it comes and we are optimistic to do well”. ENDS