06 Feb 2023

Orapa United intensified pressure on the premier league leading pack with a merciless 3-0 drubbing of BDF XI on Saturday.

The victory at Lobatse Sports Complex increased the Ostriches’ winning streak to six in a row. They are on position three with 33 points from 14 matches.

In a cautious first half which produced few scoring opportunities, BDF XI were the first to have a clear sight of goal with a cross from right-back Pelontle Lerole finding Thato Kananyo unmarked on the edge of the penalty area in the 10th minute. The midfielder’s low shot was however comfortably saved by goalkeeper Lesenya Malapela.

The visitors then drew first blood through attacking midfielder Lemogang Maswena from their first scoring opportunity in the 23rd minute.

Gofaone Mabaya exchanged passes with left-back Tlamelo Kolagano who whipped a pinpoint cross for Maswena to head past goalkeeper Kagiso Matlou.

The Ostriches started controlling proceedings through Koketso Majafi, Mabaya and Kelvin Bingala in the midfield. However, the Matebele rear-guard stood firm at the back with Onkabetse Seforo and Gaamangwe Thabe closely marking Omaatla Kebatho.

BDF XI striker Thabo Metlhayotlhe’s close range attempt was easily saved by Malapela, two minutes into the second half. Metlhayotlhe, who scored a hat trick against Holy Ghost last weekend was kept quiet by the Ostriches defence of Mooketsi Hlabano and Tapiwa Nyamanjiva.

Kebatho was denied a goal by Matlou after he bulldozed past Seforo, but the on-form striker doubled the lead with a powerful shot in the 66th minute after a good pass from Mabaya found him unmarked inside the penalty area. It was the 13th league goal of the campaign for Kebatho.

Matlou pulled off a great save with his legs to prevent Maswena stretching the lead after the attacker had dribbled into the area.

However, substitute Kagisano Mungu nonchalantly steered the third goal into the net from close range in the 79th minute after collecting a pass from Maswena with the BDF XI defence in disarray.

The defeat left BDF XI on position seven with 18 points from 14 matches.

In other games, Jwaneng Galaxy secured three points after beating Morupule Wanderers 3-1 on Saturday. ENDS