LIMPOPO – Ramantsha Blackpool fought hard to secure a 1-0 victory over Baduza FC in their Safa Limpopo ABC Motsepe League clash played at Sinthumule/Kutama Stadium on Saturday.

Cautious start

The match started at a slow pace, with both teams spending the opening 15 minutes cautiously studying each other.

Blackpool then began to take control, launching more attacks through the midfield.

Baduza wasteful in front of goal

Baduza had only themselves to blame for the defeat after squandering several scoring opportunities.

Their striker, Brain Nkosi, failed to live up to fans’ expectations as a prolific goal scorer, largely because Blackpool’s defenders kept him under close watch.

Realising that he was struggling to make an impact up front, Nkosi dropped back into midfield. However, the tactical change did little to help his team as Blackpool’s defence continued to contain him.

Crucial save

Blackpool goalkeeper Zelito Zitha made a crucial save in the 19th minute when he bravely stopped Afriyie Kwaku’s powerful close-range volley, pushing the ball out for a corner.

More costly mistakes

Baduza made even more costly mistakes in the second half.

Their right winger, Khayen Mathonsi, wasted a golden opportunity in the 60th minute when he rushed his shot from inside the box instead of taking his time to pick his spot.

Manenzhe breaks the deadlock

Blackpool finally broke the deadlock in the 86th minute when Ndivhaleni Manenzhe unleashed a shot from inside the box to find the back of the net, sealing a hard-fought 1-0 victory for his team.