After a slow and measured first half in their U19 Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association (ANLFA) clash, Opopo FC turned on the heat against their opponents, Loyo Stars, at the Alex Safe Hub on Saturday, unleashing attack after attack on goalkeeper Thandaza Mabaso.

For much of the game, Mabaso had managed to keep Opopo FC limited to a single goal, tying the game up at 1–1, but the pressure became overwhelming in the second half.

Opopo FC created repeated chances on the flanks, often imposing themselves on Loyo Stars’ defense. This strategy paid off as they extended their lead with four further goals.

Read more: Agile attacks from Opopo FC overwhelms Happy Fighters in 4–1 victory

According to Opopo FC coach Brian Mavhungu, this turnaround was part of their tactical plan. He explained that, in the first half, his side had been too relaxed, and he wanted them to counter-attack more aggressively to create openings. “When they saw that we are counter-pressing them, they started to slow the ball, and we were expecting that.”

He further noted that they deliberately tried to force Loyo Stars into playing long balls, which he believed would favour Opopo FC due to their height advantage.

For the whole of the first half, Loyo Stars had managed to hold Opopo FC to a nervy 1–0 after Ntsako Mangwani’s early strike. They even managed to equalise in the second half, but their joy was short-lived as Opopo FC began to show their dominance.

Mavhungu pointed out that his side was handed a free chance to extend their lead after Loyo Stars conceded an own goal. Quickly afterwards, Yomelelani Sonamzi followed through with another strike to give Opopo FC a 3–1 lead.

Oboletse Maokisa then came through, increasing the score to 4–1 after a perfectly executed assist from the left flank that positioned him almost one-on-one with Mabaso.

Also read: Mhlaba FC remains optimistic even after 2-1 loss to Opopo FC

Despite being flagged offside several times, Opopo FC kept advancing rapidly, showing both their sharp recovery play and occasional lapses in discipline. Loyo Stars’ delayed response to flank attacks cost them again, as Kgotso Pule received a clean pass from the wing and beat Mabaso to make it 5–1.

With five goals against them, the odds of recovery for Loyo Stars became incredibly slim, especially as they struggled to create meaningful chances.

Despite the 5–1 outcome, Mavhungu admitted he was not entirely pleased. “I was expecting more from them, because we have been working so much on the movements on and off the ball, and even the execution.”

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