15 May 2023

Gaborone United (GU) kept their slim hope of retaining the premier league title after humiliating relegated Mogoditshane Fighters 5-0 in Lobatse on Sunday.

GU trail log leaders, Jwaneng Galaxy, by five points with both teams left with three matches to complete the season.

GU alias The Reds dominated the one sided affair and took an early lead through defender Mothusi Johnson in the seventh minute. The left-back rose above the Fighters defence to head home a well laid cross by Thatayaone Kgamanyane.

The Samba Boys, as Fighters are known, had an opportunity to level matters from a free-kick soon afterwards, but Thapelo Babedi kicked the ball straight at the wall.

The impressive Kgamanyane doubled GU’s lead in the 17th minute. He picked a pass from Onkabetse Makgantai, weaved past the Fighters defence and calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Phemelo Kgaratlhi.

The two players then combined for the third goal, with Kgamanyane laying the ball off for Makgantai to score from close range to extend the lead in the 33rd minute.

Thuso Keraetswe threw a half chance wide for Fighters as GU goalkeeper Ookeditse Semelamela spent the whole match untested.

GU continued the onslaught in the second half with Thero Setsile coming close to extend the lead, but his effort was blocked by the defence.They were then awarded a penalty in the 60th minute after young midfielder Omphile Ramoagi was tripped by Kgaratlhi.

However, the goalkeeper redeemed himself by saving the poorly taken spot-kick by Makgantai.

Setsile completed the rout by scoring a brace. He bundled in well laid square pass by Johnson in the 67th minute and arrowed a powerful shot into the roof of the net in the 80th minute after John

Makwata cushioned a cross by Alford Velaphi inside the penalty area. GU gave a debut to their development product Thabiso Fani late in the second half, and the young left back impressed the crowd with some confident touches.

Following the defeat, Fighters remained on position 15 with 15 points from 27 matches, and have been relegated to the first division.  ENDS