Gilbert Mathosa and Kapano Mahlase struck to give Midrand Spoilers a 2–0 victory over struggling Rangers FC in the second week of the Joburg men’s regional league.
Rock-bottom Rangers gave a decent account of themselves in repelling several waves of early pressure but Mahlase’s clever assist allowed Mathosa to fire Spoilers ahead on November 12 at Rabie Ridge Stadium.
Although Spoilers controlled most of the possession, Rangers also threatened with Spoilers outfielder-turned-goalkeeper Walter Ramoadi being called into action to save a one-on-one against Simon Njwaga before saving another strike from Njabulo ‘Jomo’ Nkosi.
A frenetic first half continued with tempers flaring on both sides.
Rangers thought they had a swift response in the second half when Brian Siavhe lofted the ball over Ramoadi following Afika Hlatshwayo’s excellent corner, but Spoilers got saved by the cross-bar.
The match was becoming more stretched and Spoilers hit the visitors on a sublime counter but Jomo fouled Mathosa inside Rangers’ 18-yard and Spoilers were awarded a penalty by referee Shawin Marcks.
Ramoadi stepped up to kick the penalty but Rangers keeper Vusi Mabhele thwarted his powerless strike to keep the visitors in the match.
Spoilers sealed all three points in the 75th minute when Mahlase fired a rocket that Mabhele could not get a clean grip on to make it 2–0.
Spoilers coach Lukhona Mrinjana said although his team grabbed maximum points, he was still not happy with his players’ performance.
“Our players were not clinical in the finishing half as we could have scored more goals including the penalty but I am very happy with our keeper’s performance because we had to convert one outfield player to be our keeper as both our keepers could not make it to the match,” said Mrinjana
With four points from two matches, Spoilers rise to position four on the log and will visit Opopo FC in their next league match on November 20.
Rangers are in 19th position with no points and will want to grab their first league win over FC Barcenal on November 19 before hosting Malandela Mighty Heroes in Alex on November 20.
Other Joburg men’s regional league results from November 12 and 13:
- Hungry Lions FC 1–1 Wolfs
- FC Barcenal 2–2 Prestige Football Academy
- Apaa FC 1–1 Super Rovers FC
- Varsity College FC 1–2 Diepsloot Arsenal
- Hawks FC 2–1 Ma-Africa F
- FC Munich 4–2 Indlovu FC.
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