Masitaoka FC 2023 unbeaten run in Premier League came to an end on Sunday at Molepolole Sports Complex as they were beaten 4-1 by Jwaneng Galaxy.
Head Coach Mandla made four changes from the previous outing against Nico United. Tapiwa Sepatela, Itumeleng Salani, Gabriel Van-Neel returned to the starting XI and newly signed striker Jacob Nduna Mloyi made his club debut leading the attack upfront.
The game started on high tempo and with just seven minutes gone on the clock, Galaxy broke the deadlock after Kitso Mangolo floated a beautiful cross to the back post and the Zimbabwean speedy winger Daniel Msendani lobbed Victor James in goal to give Galaxy the lead.
Six minutes later Majatlhaga found the equalizer through Thabang Khuduga who unleashed a superb strike from distance to beat Galaxy goalkeeper Karabo Gaolebale. Galaxy then restored their lead quickly after re-start with Gilbert Baruti; finishing off from Msendani low cross. The visitors controlled most parts of the first half stopping Masitaoka from playing out and maintained their attacking threat.
It was 2-1 at half time, though just before the break Salani’s powerful strike inside the box was blocked for a corner kick.
Majatlhaga made a better start to the second half, substitute Lethabo Ogotseng went close to find the equalizer but his attempt hit the crossbar after meeting Khuduga’s low drive cross into the box. Last season’s top goal scorer Thabang Sesinyi increased Galaxy’s lead on the 66th minute heading in past James from the corner kick.
The home side controlled much of the possession in the closing stages with Ogotseng, Ambrosius Amseb and Losika Ratshukudu posing threat to Galaxy backline but could not find the break through.
Clinical Galaxy rounded off the scoring inside referee’s additional time through substitute Wendell Rudath who powered in a right footed strike beyond Victor James into the bottom corner. A frustrating result of a spirited and competitive second half performance from Mandla Mpofu’s side.
Majatlhaga will now look ahead for their next league game against Morupule Wanderers on the 28th of January 2023 at Serowe Sports Complex, with kick off for that game at 1600HRS.
Line-Up: James (16), Sepatela (7), Gabadise (5), Kamberipa © (15), Khuduga (17), Kotze (8), Ramotse (18), Salani (11) (Amseb 10’), Van-Neel (22) (Ratshukudu_L 29’), Mankanku (21) (Thuto 28’), Mloyi (6) (Ogotseng 14’)
Subs Not Used: Motswagole (32), Tjizake (4), Ramotlhwa (23), Bogale (2), Manyoni (33)
Cautions: 18. 0, Ramotse 11min’
Head Coach: Mandla Mpofu