26 Feb 2024

Eleven Angels continued their fight for survival with a 1-1 draw against Police XI in a Botswana Premier League match played at Lobatse Sports Complex on Saturday. 

‘Lekgamu La Bananyana’ moved three points clear of the relegation zone after the draw following a recent good run, which saw them winning two and drawing two of their last four matches. They now sit 10^th on the log after collecting 18 points from 17 matches. 

Police XI on the other hand sits precariously on position 13 with 16 points from 17 matches after failing to win any of their last four matches.  The two teams were sluggish in attack and struggled to create scoring opportunities in the first half. However, the ‘Jungle Kings’ built neatly from the back in the early stages of the match through defenders, Tapiwa Gadibolae and Basiamisi Sebapalo and midfielder, Banele Ndzabandzaba, but despite the good build ups, they struggled to create opportunities for Oarabile Sekwai and Richard Tsuseb upfront.

It was the visitors who took the lead with the first clear opportunity in the 13^th minute. A neat move from the back saw the ball fall to Desmond Mtokufa who played an accurate pass behind the defence to left winger, Bakang Mpatane who timed his run perfectly and slotted the ball past goalkeeper, Lesego Bosekeng.  After their goal the visitors grew in confidence and made more forages forward. 

However, the ‘Jungle Kings’ levelled matters in the 32^nd minute with a well constructed goal. Allen Ndodole collected a pass on the edge of the box and played in Tlhalefo Molebatsi who fired into the net from close range. Police XI then appealed that Marcus Maokaneng had handled the ball inside the box, but their appeals were waved away.  The match opened up in the second half as the two teams searched for the winning goal. Maokaneng came close to giving Angels the lead in the 49^th minute but his effort went narrowly wide after combining with Fungai Muzila. 

At the other side, the Angels defence cleared a low shot from Ndodole off the line after he received a cross from Molebatsi. Mtokufa put a glorious opportunity over the posts while one on one with Bosekeng in the 70th minute, and he also saw a header saved by the goalkeeper. Bachopi also saved a free header from Sekwai in the 79th minute as the illusive winning goal failed to come for both teams. ENDS