21 Aug 2023

Jwaneng Galaxy coach Morena Ramoreboli is satisfied with his team’s performance after beating Ugandan champions Vipers SC in the CAF Champions League first round on Sunday.

Galaxy controlled the first leg encounter played at the Lobatse Sports Complex with a solid all round performance and deservedly won 2-0 through a brace by Thabang Sesinyi.

The forward fired in a loose ball from close range to give Galaxy the lead after Vipers goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza spilled the ball inside the six-yard area in the 15th minute.

Omaatla Kebatho came close to doubling the lead with an overhead kick as the hosts dominated the majority of the first half.

The striker hit two other attempts off target in a lively official debut following his move from Orapa United.

The visitors upped their game in the second half but failed to trouble goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko, who enjoyed a comfortable afternoon in his first match in Galaxy colours after his shock move from Gaborone United. Vipers’ Giancarlo Lopes Rodrigues was well policed by the Galaxy defence marshaled by captain Thabo Leinanyane and Fortunate Thulare.

Nqobizitha Masuku and Dynamo Fredericks also gave polished performances to stabilise things in midfield.

Apart from a close range shot from Sentamu Junior Yunus, which sailed narrowly over the posts, the visitors failed to pose much threat upfront. Sesinyi sealed victory in the 75th minute with a beautiful shot taken from the edge of the 18 yards area.

The victory puts Galaxy in a strong position to advance to the next stage when the two teams clash in the second leg in Uganda over the weekend.

The winner of this tie will face South Africa giants Orlando Pirates in the next round.

In a post-match interview, Ramoreboli, who is looking to lead Galaxy into a successive CAF Champions’ League group stages, pointed out that his players executed the game plan well.

“Credit to the boys. It was a difficult match, but we played well. They had a top striker and two strong centre backs with good technique.

For us to get the two goals we had to be patient and also try our best to make sure that we got into the right areas,” said the South African coach.

“Credit to all the players as they played very well. One would expect that the new players would struggle to adapt to our game model.

We need to give credit to the technical team for helping them to settle and adapt very quickly to how we want to play,” he added.

Vipers’ Brazilian coach Martins Neiva Leonardo said they lost to a better team.

However, he said the tie was not over yet and his team plans to turn the tables back home in Uganda.

“We accept the defeat, no excuses.

They deserve the win, but it is not over yet. If Galaxy were able to score two goals at home, it is possible for us to score two goals in Uganda,” he said. ENDS