01 Feb 2024

A superbly taken goal by Thero Setsile in the first half was enough for Jwaneng Galaxy to claim a 1-0 victory over spirited Security Systems in an entertaining Botswana Premier League match played at Lobatse Sports Complex on Wednesday.

Though they are still in third place, the defending champions have narrowed the gap between them and log leaders Township Rollers to just three points as the title race gathers momentum.

Galaxy has collected 25 points from 10 matches, and has played three games fewer than the leaders.

It was however not a straight-forward victory for coach Morena Ramoreboli’s charges as the two teams were evenly matched for large periods.

Galaxy were the first to knock on the door with Setsile hitting a dangerous cross-cum-shot in the sixth minute.

Systems goalkeeper Maikano Tladinyane pushed the ball onto the path of Daniel Msendami, whose shot was blocked off the line by Systems captain Bophelo Macheng.

Tladinyane pulled off another save from Setsile a few minutes later.

Referee Tshepo Gobagoba turned away strong appeals for a penalty by Systems players and their technical team after Galaxy goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko appeared to foul Bokang Rathipana when they were challenging for a high ball in the 11th minute.

He headed the ball across the penalty area but fell to the ground holding his head after a late aerial challenge from the goalkeeper.

The referee stopped play for the head injury, but then restarted the match with a place kick for Galaxy, much to the chagrin of the Systems team.  

The match then settled into a balanced affair with the two teams displaying good football but not creating many clear opportunities.

However, Setsile was clearly hungry for goals and he unleashed a long range shot in the 35th minute which flew narrowly over the posts.

He then pounced on a sloppy mistake by defender Tebogo Kopelang and fired a low shot beyond Tladinyane to open the scoring in the 41st minute, for his second goal in a many matches for Galaxy after his mid-season move from Gaborone United.

Tladinyane saved point blank from the subdued Thabang Sesinyi on the stroke of half-time to keep Systems in the match.

Galaxy nearly doubled their lead in the 60th minute after Gilbert Baruti combined with Msendami for a short corner and unleashed a powerful drive which was brilliantly saved by Tladinyane.

The goalkeeper then produced another glorious save by pushing away a stinging shot from Kutlwelo Mpolokang with the ball destined for the bottom corner, and then blocked a close range header from Setsile as Galaxy tried to kill off the match.

Tladinyane was then injured in a challenge with an opponent and was replaced by Kabelo Kuti.

The momentum then shifted in Systems favour for the last 20 minutes but they failed to score from several chances they created.

Systems remained on position four with 22 points.

League action continues this weekend where Galaxy will attempt to continue their winning momentum when they visit VTM at VTM Arena on Saturday at 4pm.

Systems on the other hand will take a long trip to Obed Itani Chilume Stadium for a clash with Eleven Angels on Saturday at 4pm.

On Friday, Township Rollers will welcome Nico United at the National Stadium at 7pm.

Gaborone United will host BDF XI at the National Stadium, Sua Flamingoes will welcome Morupule Wanderers at Sowa Council Stadium, Orapa United clash with Holy Ghost at Itekeng Stadium, and Matebele entertains Tafic at Dinaledi Academy Stadium. ENDS