20 Aug 2023

Gaborone United (GU) will travel to Antananarivo this week with heads down after failing to capitaliSe on home ground advantage against visiting Elgeco Plus FC.

The youthful side who ply their trade in the Malagasy Professional league narrowly beat Moyagoleele 1-0 in their first-leg of the preliminary stage of the Total Energies CAF Confederations Cup match on Saturday.

In a post-match interview, a seemingly worried GU coach Pontsho Moloi admitted to an avalanche of missed chances but was hopeful that his charges would reverse the score line in Antananarivo, Madagascar in the return fixture this coming weekend.

GU are known to have had good runs in the continental tournament and would be inspired by their past performance to reach the qualifying stages.

On Saturday, the visiting side raced into the lead through an easy tap by Fenohasina Razafimaro in the 25th minute.

GU goalminder, Ookeditse Semelamela failed to collect a long range screamer from the exciting Jean Rakotoarisola from outside the box.

In his second attempt to handle the shot, the ball spilled on the path of Razafimaro who easily tapped into the net to open the score line.

The visitors came out a much improved side for the most part of the first half with the homeside failing to make any meaningful attack.

Thero Setsile’s curling effort missed target by a whisker and five minutes later Thatayaone Kgamanyane failed to loop over keeper with the net yawning.

Elgeco also fancied their chances with the on form Rakotoarisola forcing a full stretch save from Semelamela for a corner.

The second stanza was an evenly balanced affair and with the introduction of Tshepo Maikano, GU pinned their opponents in their own half.

It was an encouraged display by GU but were let down by indecisiveness in front of goal posts.

Lebogang Ditsele failed to pull one back for his team with a clear cut opportunity but skewed his effort wide off the mark with Zakanirina well beaten.

On the other end, Elgeco nearly extended the lead in the added time after Zola Raveloarison cut open on the far left and Semelamela courageously went down to deny him the goal. ENDS