Rollers, GU Share Spoils

Second half goals in quick succession from Gaborone United's Thatayaone Kgamanyane and Township Rollers' Segolame Boy meant Friday night's season opening FNB Premiership Gaborone Derby ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

 

A large National Stadium crowd watched the Gaborone Derby start with a sluggish first half before the tempo picked as the game ended in an exciting flourish as both sides went for the jugular in the second half.

 

The Gaborone giants' contest officially opened the the FNB Premiership 2024-25 campaign and Rollers started life under head coach Mogomotsi Mpote.

 

Four minutes into the contest, Rollers' left back Kago Monyake played a free kick into the box, locating Simisane Mathumo in space, but the Popa captain's headed attempt went over the bar.

Minutes later, debutant Popa winger Dina Dinanga whipped in a cross from the left wing, but GU cleared their lines as Mbatshi Elias tried to head home for Popa.

 

GU dominated the early possession stakes, but initially didn't penetrate Rollers' defensive lines.

In the 21st minute, the Reds managed to breach Rollers' rearguard but Kgamanyane's timid effort from the edge of the box was comfortably saved by Kabelo Dambe.

 

Five minutes later, Rollers was on the attack, Congolese forwards Dina Dinanga and Djo Ntambwe combined well on the left wing; Ntambwe's cross into the box, found Elias in space, but his first time effort from close range went wide.

 

Popa was forced into a 34th minute substitution as the injured Ntambwe made way for Obonwe Maome.

The first half ended goalless, before the second period provided more attacking action.

In the 53rd minute, Monyake miscalculated his back pass to Dambe and the Reds' forward Molaodi "Danger" Tlhalefang pounced but missed a glorious chance for GU.

 

Tlhalefang hit the side netting with the goalkeeper beaten and his teammate Kgamanyane offering a pass option, ready to tap in unmarked in front of goal.

 

In the 65th minute, Kgamanyane broke the deadlock, heading GU into the lead, nodding in a cross played into the box.

 

A minute later, Boy brought matters level with an exquisite close range finish.

 

At one apiece, the game grew more interesting as the two sides pushed forward for the winner.

But it stayed level as the latest installment of the Rollers and GU rivalry ended 1-1.

Share This