Mhlaba FC remains optimistic even after 2-1 loss to Opopo FC
Despite a narrow 2-1 defeat to log leaders Opopo FC, Mhlaba FC vows to fight back and close the gap in the ANLFA Promotional League.
Mhlaba FC will have to fight on if it hopes to close the three-point gap between itself and ANLFA Promotional League log leader’s Opopo FC, especially after suffering a 1-2 loss to Opopo in the last week of November.
When the two sides went head-to-head, Opopo FC and Mhlaba FC were occupying the first and second positions respectively on the log, each with nine points.
Read more: Opopo FC keeps its top spot after 2-1 win against Mhlaba FC
Now, after the three-point setback, Mhlaba chairperson Lawrence Mhlaba said in their next games they would have to fight to secure maximum points to increase their chances of occupying the first position on the table.
“To be honest, we wanted to go for the win so that we could manage to get those three points, then we were going to be equal.
“We did not come here to lose. We did not want to lose any match until we went to the break. But unfortunately, we lost one.”
However, with more games to come, Mhlaba said they would use those fixtures to correct the mistakes that cost them against Opopo.
Also read: Opopo Football Club Academy set to torment rivals in the regional league again
He acknowledged they were playing against a big team. The fixture broke the points deadlock, giving Opopo the three needed points to tighten their grip on first position with an overall 12 points.
Opopo FC coach Lethabo Mphahlele said his side came prepared, knowing very well they would be fighting for the top position against a strong contender.
“When we came into this, I was anticipating a strong fight from my boys because I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game.”
Mphahlele said the opponent was very strong, agile, and always contesting for the ball. “So for us, it was hard to trouble their goalkeeper. Even our shots from range were not that troubling,” he noted.
But this was something they anticipated and prepared for. “We just had the heart, hunger and determination. And at the end of the day, we got a free kick.”
It was this free kick that decided the game, sealing Opopo FC’s 2-1 victory.
Now, as both teams look ahead, they intend to work on their weaknesses and enhance their strengths.
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