BDF XI SOLDIERS THEIR WAY INTO THE LAST FOUR

BY:Phodiso Gaebepe

LOBATSE: In the ongoing Mascom Top 8 second leg games, the encounter between BDF XI and Orapa United produced a nil all draw that saw the Army boys proceeding to the semi-finals of the tournament on the  9th of December 2018 at 1600hrs.

The previous encounter between the two teams ended with a 1-0 win in favour of BDF XI at Itekeng stadium in Orapa through a Moatlhodi Ralesota penalty, it looked like there was hope for the Ostriches as a one goal difference is not a big margin.

The other factor was the performance of the previous game. They played better football, created more chances and thought the only homework was to sharpen their attack and be more clinical in front of goals.

Things did not go according to plan as the same thing happened in the in this game, controlled the game, created chances but failed to convert.

The Ostriches came looking for an early goal looking to destabilise the Army boys. They came strong on them and pilled more attack just at the start of the game. The BDF XI defence made a lot of mistakes, they failed to mark well and close the spaces on time for the Ostriches attackers. 

The two centre backs isolated each other especially Kennedy Taukobong who was more on the left back and left Onkabetse Seforo alone most of the time. Most of the crosses that were made by Orapa found Seforo alone with two or three Orapa attackers and he was failing to clear the crosses well.

Taukobong came late most of the time to rescue him but he is the one with a better height and physique to deal with such balls. However Orapa failed to utilise this opportunity as we saw them hitting the crossbar two times in the first half, Tendai Nyumasi found an empty net with a header but went over the bar. The other one came and the same thing happened.  The Ostriches had more possession and were in charge of the game.

Tendai Nyumasi was excellent on the day as he was destroying BDF XI ‘s defence with his killer passes that penetrated the defence, the finishing really let them down on the day.

Molaodi Tlhalefang was so casual, so slow to react when having the ball. He could not fight for the ball also lost the ball easily and that really worked against the Ostriches.  Had he been quicker had he been stronger, a different story would be told today.

On the BDF XI side, there was a gap between the strike force and the midfield.  Moatlhodi Ralesota had no support at all, no supply as Mgcini Sibanda was so deep. Most of the balls he won, he was alone and no one to make one-twos with and penetrate Orapa United’s defence. He needed someone who could add on that gap and support him. Lovemore Bogatsu was also a weak link as he was failing to fight for the ball, he lacked aggression and a sense of urgency. 

When he is supposed to play a quick one-two and dash into space with Ralesota he does not do so, instead he losses the ball or becomes slow and they close him down . Thanks to Tumiso Mashakola’s good form, he made very crucial saves that won him the second man of the match of the taurnament. The game ended with both teams failing to find the back of the net and that meant BDF XI proceeds to the semi-finals. The substitutions that were made on the side of Matebele were, Lovemore Bogatsu, Botsalo Oatlhotse and Moagi Mokomeng giving way for Phenyo Serameng, Rashid Mandawa and Bonolo Phuduhudu. As for the Ostriches we saw Molaodi Tlhalefang and Tendai Nyumasi giving way for Omaatla Kebatho and Baboloki Makhura. We saw Othusitse Mpharitlhe getting two yellow cards on in the game which resulted in the red card and Moatlhodi Ralesota also getting a yellow card for Matebele. Tapiwa Nyamanjiva got a yellow card also for the Ostriches.

With BDF,Rollers and Galaxy in the semis it it still to be seen who will join them between GU and Tsenala.

The line up for the hosts BDF XI were;
Tumiso Mashakola, Onkgolotse Tsimako, Othusitse Mpharitlhe, Kennedy Taukobong, Onkabetse Seforo, Onkgolotse Motlhabankwe, Lovemore Bogatsu, Moagi Mokomeng, Moatlhodi Ralesota, Mgcini Sibanda (C), Botsalo Oatlhotse.
SUBSTITUTIONS ;
Michael James, Bonolo Phuduhudu, Abi Ramodiane, Thato Kakanyo, Phenyo Serameng, Rashid Yusuf Mandawa, Oratile Taunyane.

As for the visitors, Orapa United were;
Kabelo Joseph, Kealeboga Buzwani Molebatsi, Lesego Keredilwe, Mooketsi Hlabano, Mothusi Johnson, Tapiwa Crispen Nyamanjiva, Tendai Tafazwa Nyumasi, Gofaone Norman Mabaya, Lemogang Maswena, Onkemetse Mike Powe, Molaodi Tlhalefang. 

SUBSTITUTIONS;
Bophelo Kealeboga, Kabo Mungabe, Tumelo Majola, Baboloki Makhura, Kelapile Ndlovu, Olekantse Mambo, Omaatla Kebatho.
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