Smiling FC vanquish in spotkicks
In the second half Uruguay came out guns blazing attacking with their speedy wingers
BOTHASHOEK- Host team Smilling FC, was the team to watch this past weekend when they won a three-team round robin tourney organised at Bothashoek’s sports fields. The games also included Uruguay and Mighty Callies FC.
The team in yellow defeated their nemesis, Uruguay FC 6-5 in penalties after a gruelling 90 minutes of soccer. Smiling’s winning penalty was scored in sudden death by midfielder kingpin Sello Maphanga after the teams drew 1-1.
The two clubs entertained the goal-hungry crowd displaying shibobos but failed to score during the chances created. Smiling controlled the first half and was rewarded when lethal striker Isaac Ngwatle capitalised on a blunder by Uruguay’s defence. He beat an offside trap and looped the ball leaving Uruguay’s goalie Evans Lewela in no-man’s-land and sending the vociferous crowd into rupture. The teams went to the interval with Smiling leading 1-0.
In the second stanza Uruguay came out guns blazing, attacking the host with their pacy wingers. The pressure finally yielded results when on-form striker Abram “Majoro” Mpondo equalised with a stunning header in the 78th minute.
Gaining confidence, Uruguay managed a series of attacks but goalkeeper Mpumi Mohlala was up to the task pulling off two stupendous saves in the dying minutes of the match. The referee blew the final whistle, indicating the match was going to be decided on the dreaded penalties.
Both teams managed to score their first five penalties but in sudden death drama ensued when Uruguay’s key man Mpho Nonyane fluffed his penalty over the posts. Sello Maphanga managed to coolly slot his spot kick, giving his team a much-needed and morale boosting win.
Coach of Smiling Hosea Mashaba applauded his team for winning the tournament; he says his team’s fitness level was the key in deciding the match.
“We played three matches on the day and still dished a great performance; our boys are training hard for the tournaments.
In the early game, Mighty Callies lost 5-4 on penalties against the champions of the day, Smiling. The teams drew 1-1. This weekend the tournament will take place at Uruguay’s home ground in Ga Manoke.
