10 Dec 2023

Ivorian side Asec Mimosas defeated Jwaneng Galaxy 2-0 in a closely contested CAF Champions League Group B encounter at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown on Saturday.

The game began with both teams looking evenly matched, but The Mimos as Asec Mimosa is also known, made their intentions known as they took control in the early stages, managing to create more chances than the local lads.

Despite The Mimos' pressure Jwaneng Galaxy’s defence was rock solid, thwarting their opponents’ efforts and continued to battle for every ball.

It was evidently not an easy game, with both teams determined to come out on top and Mimosa’s victory was hard-earned, and they could pride themselves for their impressive performance.

In the 33rd minute, the game took a dramatic turn when the visitors were awarded a penalty after Galaxy’s Chicco Molefe brought down Karidioula Mofose in the penalty area.

The penalty was taken by the team captain, Essis Aka, but his shot hit the crossbar and bounced back into play.

This was a lucky break for Galaxy, who had narrowly avoided going down a goal.

Despite both teams eager to break the deadlock and take the lead their efforts proved futile going for recess with no score.

On return from recess both teams seemed determined to lead, evidenced by the increased intensity of the game.

The score remained 0-0 in the first 15 minutes of the second half, but that all changed when Sankara Karamoko, who had come in as a substitute, received a perfect cross inside the box and slotted the ball into the back of the net.

While the goal was a huge blow to the home side, they refused to give up and continued to create chances.

Just three minutes after Karamoko’s first goal, he had another golden opportunity to extend his team’s lead.

His powerful shot hit the crossbar and bounced down towards the goal line.  Galaxy goalkeeper, Goitseone Phoko, scrambled to reach the ball, and it appeared to have crossed the line for a second goal.

However, the Egyptian referee, Mohamed Adel Elsaid Hussein, ruled that the ball had not fully crossed the line and the game remained 1-0.

Though the decision was unpopular among the fans and players, the referee stood by his decision.

Karamoko would not let the denial mess his intention of leading his team to victory he struck again minutes later.

This time, he was assisted by some excellent passing from his attacking teammates, who worked together to create the opportunity.

His strike was emphatic, and the ball flew into the back of the net, widening his team’s winning margin to 2-0.

The home team was left reeling, as they struggled to create any chances and found themselves up against a wall of opposition.

They needed a miracle to turn the game around.

In post-match interview, Jwaneng Galaxy coach, Morena Ramoreboli said it was clear from the start that the game was not theirs.

He said his team had lost like any other team and the mistake his boys created for their opponent to get their first score could be done by any other team.

The coach said his team failed to take advantage of the mistakes made by Asec, which could have cost the latter dearly.

“Asec gave away possession on a number of occasions, but Jwaneng Galaxy could not make the most of the opportunities presented to them.”

Despite their lack of success in front of goal, he said his team’s determination and defensive prowess continued to frustrate Asec, who struggled to find a way through.

Asec Coach, Julien Henri Patrick Chevalier said he was happy that his team had qualified to next knockout stage of the tournament. ENDS