22 Jan 2023

Extension Gunners welcomed new coach, Thabo  ‘Mahala’  Motang, with an enthusiastic performance which yielded a 1-1 draw with Morupule Wanderers in Lobatse on Saturday.

The result ended Gunners run of seven defeats in a row, which plunged the team into the relegation zone and prompted the resignation of former coach Phillimon Makhwengwe.

The Lobatse side started on a positive note with strikers launching quick attacks.

Skipper, Omphile Vissagie, came close to giving Gunners the lead with a low shot from outside the box, but it went narrowly wide.

Kobamelo Kebaikanye, who troubled the opposition with his speed on the left flank, saw an inviting opportunity blocked inside the box after Wanderers goalkeeper, Badisa Mpote misjudged a cross from Phomolo Moahi.

With Gunners failing to capitalise on their opportunities, the visitors found their rhythm as the first half progressed.

Midfielders Ernest Ngwaga, Baboloki Makhura and captain Maano Ditshupo started linking better with strikers Aggripa Murimba and Thabiso Bante.

However, they did not trouble Gunners goalkeeper, Keeagile Kgosipula, and the match went to half-time goalless.

The hosts were once again the first to threaten early in the second half with Kebaikanye testing Mpote with a low shot following a counter attack.

Mpote then pulled a brilliant save to stop a free-kick by Moahi from hitting the net after Pako Modikwa was fouled on the edge of the penalty area.

At the other side, Kgosipula saved a free header from Bante.

The visitors technical bench introduced Kelapile Ndlovu and Julius Likontsane and the two substitutes combined to give Wanderers the lead in the 61st minute.

Likontsane received a superb pass from Murimba and crossed for Ndlovu to tuck in at the far post.

However, the hosts fought back and levelled matters through Vissagie  eight minutes later. He tapped a loose ball into an empty net after Mpote blocked a shot from substitute Modiri Keleabetse.

The two teams had an opportunity to win the match in the dying minutes, but Wanderers’ Murimba fired inches wide from a great position while Kebaikanye shot straight at Mpote.

The draw left Gunners with eight points from 12 matches and they remain on position 15. Wanderers on one hand have collected 15 points from 12 matches. ENDS