Top Dogz lashed eight times to only two replies

Gomtown Boyz FC is no Top Dogz after they failed to protect their solitary goal lead and allowed Norwood Young Stars to stage a dramatic come-from-behind act to snatch a 3–1 win.

This was in a Promotional League match of the Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association played at the Alexandra Stadium on 2 February.

The Top Dogz, as the Boyz are popularly known in the township, has only managed to win two games out of 10 played so far in the league. The Boyz opened the scoring in the 26th minute of the game when Blessed Khazamula found the back of the net.

Stars tried for a quick reply in the following minute but Jules Kalambo, a Congolese player from the Democratic Republic of Congo, was denied by Boyz keeper, Petlo Mokwena.

That disappointment was short-lived when Stars were awarded a penalty when a Boyz defender handled the ball in the box.

Stars skipper Kamogelo Cholo, one of two brothers of coach Shedrack Cholo, stepped up to take the spot-kick in the 37th minute and made no mistake to cancel the Boyz’s lead.

Stars could have had a comfortable lead of three or four goals going into the break had it not been for the selfish play of Kalambo.

He sought to be a hero several times by trying his luck at goals when there were colleagues in better scoring positions. However, Stars’ Kabelo Ramaloko did have a strike at goal which was blocked by the Boyz keeper and at the other end, Nhlanhla Selowa missed a sitter from point-blank range which had ‘goal’ written all over it.

In the second half, Andile Mayisa of the Boyz sought to put his team ahead but his shot hit the upright and went back into play and was comfortably cleared by Stars defenders.

Kalambo finally found the back of the net to give Stars a 2–1 lead and soon after the referee had to have harsh words with Mayisa and Stars’ Togolese, Patrice Adankon.

The pair almost exchanged blows after a tackle from Mayisa on Adankon which the latter considered dangerous and could have easily resulted in him being seriously injured.

Stars were handed yet another penalty when Emmanuel Nkgoeng was fouled in the box as he raced towards goals and the other Cholo brother, Karabo, rattled the net from the spot kick, making the final scoreline 3–1.

Coach Cholo said he was delighted with the performance of his young team, mostly composed of U21 players while his counterpart at the Boyz, Joshua ‘Mathata’ Sebelebele, whose team occupies 12th spot in the 13-team league, said they had thrown in the towel in their bid to gain promotion.

“We have already started our preparations for the same league next year where we hope to put up a decent fight for the honours,” he said.