Masitaoka forward Lethabo Ogotseng came off the bench and scored a brilliant header to help his side secure a 1-1 draw against Mogoditshane Fighters at Molepolole Sports Complex on Saturday.
Fighters broke the deadlock early in the game with Kakanyo Kethubile’s deflected strike beating the goalkeeper Victor James on the 3rd minute. Thereafter, Masitaoka went all out in attack to search for the equalizer.
Majatlhaga enjoyed the majority of ball possession throughout the first half but were unable to break down Fighters defence. The first big chance came on the 20th minute when Christopher Lemme picked out the run of Itumeleng Salani with a defence splitting pass, who was then left with only the keeper to beat but his powerful shot was saved by the goalkeeper Tshomarelo More.
Olebogeng Ramotse also had an opening late in the first half through a free kick from 20 yards but his curling effort was kept out by the goalkeeper.
From the break Masitaoka continued where they left off in the first half; there were chances for Bakang Tsholang and Ivan Kamberipa who both saw their attempts from inside the box going over the bar.
On the 67th minute Coach Mandla Mpofu introduced Lethabo Ogotseng for Salani to add some spark in the attack with two box strikers upfront. The pressure on Fighters backline paid off on the 74th minute when Ogotseng headed in a beautiful cross from Thabang Khuduga to level matters.
Both teams had several scoring chances in the remaining minutes which could have seen the winner. The draw now sees Masitaoka remain on the 6th position of Botswana Premier League Log standings with thirteen points after eight games.
Majatlhaga will now host Log leaders Gaborone United in the last game of the year this coming Wednesday (21/12/2022) at Molepolole Sports Complex.
Line-Up: James (16), Sepatela (7), Gabadise (5), Kamberipa © (15), Khuduga (17), Kotze (8), Ramotse (18) (Gagoitseope 20’), Salani (11) (Ogotseng 14’), Tsholang (19), Ratshukudu (13), Lemme (9)
Subs Not Used: Motswagole (32), Ramotlhwa (23), Molelowamodimo (24), Mangadi (12), Bogale (2), Monaheng (30)
Head Coach: Mandla Mpofu