14 Dec 2023

Extension Gunners have revived their promotion challenge with a 4-0 drubbing of Prisons XI in a rearranged Debswana First Division South League match played on Wednesday.

The original match was postponed after heavy rainfall left the Lobatse Council Stadium pitch waterlogged on Sunday.

Gunners went into the match hurting from a 4-1 defeat to Mochudi Centre Chiefs a fortnight ago, and were therefore looking to redeem themselves.  

They however started slowly, allowing Prisons a number of half chances in the first 25 minutes and the ‘Warders’ nearly took the lead from one of them. Midfielder Brian

Lekwape advanced into the penalty area and struck a low shot, but Gunners goalkeeper Keolopile Tshimologo denied him with a brilliant save.

Gunners took control of the match afterwards and opened the scoring through Kabo Matshula in the 27th minute. The midfielder fired into the bottom corner from close range after a high ball was cushioned to him by Pako Modikwa.

Prisons goalkeeper, Ontiretse Gaotlhobogwe produced a top class save to deny Matshula after the midfielder unleashed a rocket from the edge of the penalty area in the 40th minute.

Moments later, Gunners had a glorious opportunity to double their lead after Gape Thibedi released Modiri Keleabetse behind the Prisons defence, but the striker miscued his shot with only Gaotlhobogwe to beat, allowing the goalkeeper to make a comfortable save.

Prisons coach Sylvester Madisa introduced Mokuye Shakambayo and Arnold Ntlogelang early in the second half.

The duo briefly added some energy into the Warders attack and Shakambayo had the ball into the net. The goal was however disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper.  

Gunners then started mesmerising the Prisons defence with some delightful football. The combination of Thibedi, Kgotso Phuti, Matshula, Modikwa and substitute Ofentse Dialwa upfront had the Prisons defence defending with their backs to the wall.

Centre back, Benson Mosokobanji doubled their lead in the 65th minute, heading home a corner kick well taken corner kick by midfielder Kgotso Phuti.

Phuti extended the lead with a beautiful shot into the top corner in the 71st minute after a dazzling move.

Dialwa put the final nail in the Warders coffin with a close range finish in stoppage time after a great delivery into the box by right back Phomolo Moahi.  

Young Stars were defeated 1-0 by Centre Chiefs in the other midweek encounter of the league. ENDS