11 Dec 2022

Extension Gunners paid heavily for their sloppiness in front of goals with a 2-1 defeat to Mogoditshane Fighters in a match that saw both teams finish with 10 men at Lobatse Sports Complex, Saturday.

Gunners came into the Botswana Premier League (BPL) encounter looking to stop a run of two consecutive losses since new head coach Phillimon Makwengwe took over from Phenyo Mongala, who was interim coach.

They were lively from the onset with captain Omphile Vissagie and Ofentse Nato edging the midfield battle against Kagiso Mokaeya and Musa Tamokate.

Youngster Anderson Makolontwana and Ernest Tawazadza were also vibrant as Gunners piled pressure on the visitors.

Striker Pako Modikwa had a good opportunity to open the score boards as early as the third minute, but fired straight at Fighters goalkeeper Tshomarelo More from close range.

The next opportunity fell for Tawazadza, who joined Gunners from Fighters in the past transfer window, but the forward shot weakly at the goalkeeper in the 15^th minute.

Fighters then took the lead against the run of play with their first serious attack in the 21^st minute.

Emmanuel Ditodi caught the Gunners defence napping with a through pass to Botsetswe Othusegile, leaving the attacking midfielder with a simple task of slotting the ball past goalkeeper Thabo Masule into the net.

Gunners continued playing good football and Modikwa met a cross with a beautiful header six minutes later, but his effort crashed against the post.

However, they were reduced to 10 men in the 37^th minute after defender Moabi Sebele was sent off in the 37’ for bringing down Khumbulani Madziba when the striker was clear on goal.

Despite playing with 10 men, Gunners created even more opportunities in the second half after introducing winger Bakang Leshona for Jarona Jarona and Kgotso Radithongwa for Desire Bafana.

Tawazadza levelled matters with a low shot in the 67^th minute after exchanging passes with Makolontwana inside the 18 yard area.

More then pulled off great saves from Vissagie, Tawazadza and substitute Brendon Kenosi as Gunners pressed for a winner.

However, the Gunners forwards, especially Radithongwa were also guilty of fluffing inviting opportunities inside the penalty area.

They were punished for their sloppiness when Fighters took the lead against the run of play once again.

 Thuso Keraetswe received a pass from substitute Morapedi Kengaletswe on the edge of the box and fired in a winner in the 81^st minute to seal Fighters’ second victory of the campaign.

The ‘Samba Boys’ have collected eight points from seven matches.

Gunners on the other hand have now suffered three losses in a row and have seven points from seven matches. ENDs