29 Oct 2023

Jwaneng Galaxy ended Township Rollers’ winning start to the new Botswana Premier League season with a deserved 1-0 victory at a packed Galaxy Stadium on Saturday.

The defending champions spurned some opportunities before Zimbabwean winger Daniel Msendami settled the gripping encounter with a ferocious close range shot past Rollers goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe in the 83^rd minute.

The match was tightly contested with the two teams nullifying each other in midfield. Galaxy however had more goalmouth threats and created better scoring opportunities throughout the match. However, they were frustrated by brilliant goalkeeping by Dambe.

Their first sniff at goal came in the sixth minute when inspirational midfielder Gilbert Baruti collected a pass from Thabang Sesinyi on the edge of the penalty area, but his attempt was saved by Dambe.

Three minutes later, Rollers escaped when Thatayaone Ramatlapeng fired inches wide of the posts after dribbling into the penalty area. Dambe then produced an outstanding save to deny Sesinyi in the 18^th minute Dambe produced as the hosts intensified their search for a goal.

Rollers forwards, Godfrey Tauyatswala, Segolame Boy and Thabo Rakhale barely had a sight of goal as they were kept quiet by the resolute hosts defence of Thabo Leinanyane, Lesego Keredilwe, Moagi Sechele and Benson Mangolo.

Their first clear scoring opportunity only came in the 21^st when Tauyatswala managed to break away from the attention of Keredilwe but his free header was saved by goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko.

Dambe then produced a point blank save from an overhead kick by Leinanyane in the 28^th minute after Rollers failed to clear a free-kick, and thwarted Gift Moyo to keep Rollers in the game. 

Rollers finished the first half with midfielder Thabo Wetshoemang partnering Mosha Gaolaolwe in the heart of their defence after Simisani Mathumo went off through injury

Rollers head coach, Innocent Morapedi tried to ignite his attack by bringing in Shaun Gcumeni and Ototeng Dintwa for Omphile Vissage and Rakhale immediately after halftime. Motsholetsi Sikele fired over the posts from the edge of the penalty area soon afterwards, but the complexion of the game continued like it was in the first half with Galaxy creating better opportunities.

Defender Tshepo Matete foiled Msendami Dambe with a last ditch tackle, before Dambe produced another top class save to keep out Sesinyi in the 69^th minute. 

But there was nothing the experienced goalkeeper could do to stop the smashing shot from Msendami in the 83^rd minute, after the winger received a pinpoint pass from Baruti inside the penalty area.

The victory brought Galaxy back to winning ways after they suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat away to Matebele last weekend. 

They have now collected nine points from four matches. 

Rollers on the other hand suffered their first defeat of the campaign after they had won their first three again Masitaoka, Eleven Angels and Holy Ghost. 

They also have nine points from four matches. Ends.