Sanders United FC went head to head with Real Barcelona at Kwa-Thema Sports Complex on April 12 securing a 2–1 victory and maintaining their position at the top of the log.
Khomotso Motaung set the momentum early in the first half, scoring the opening goal and giving his side the lead.
Real Barcelona responded with pressure, creating a number of chances but they couldn’t convert.
In the second half, Sanders United added a second goal through a set piece making it 2–0 and putting them in control of the game.
Real Barcelona also managed to score, resulting in 2-1.
The game ended in a loss for Real Barcelona. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
After the match, Sanders United coach Vusi “Terror” Zulu admitted the performance wasn’t what he expected.
“It’s not the performance I was expecting. The game was scrappy but we managed to get maximum points which is important for us because we are the log leaders,” he said.
He also pointed out that not everyone delivered on the day.
“I’m not happy because some of the players didn’t come to the party. What secured our victory was the character of the more senior players because we scored from set pieces, and that showed their quality,” Zulu said.
Looking at the game overall, he felt the team lost control as it went on.
Players compete for control of the ball. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
“The first ten minutes we were okay, but after thirty minutes we kept making mistakes, like losing the ball,” he said.
He added that finishing is something the team needs to improve.
“Scoring is what we will work on because we create so many chances but don’t score. I’m going to continue to train them so they do better next time,” Zulu added.
Real Barcelona coach Lebogang Lekubu felt the result did not reflect his team’s performance.
“We outplayed them in the middle of the field,” he said. “They didn’t have many attempts, so I wouldn’t say the score is a true reflection of how we played,” he said.
He pointed to missed opportunities as the ket factor leading to their loss.
“Our strikers were not focused, which led to our loss,” Lekubu said.
Despite the defeat, he highlighted one standout performer in his team.
“Ovuyo Mneno really outplayed the opposition throughout the game,” he said.
Players in action. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
Sander United secured a 2-1 victory against Real Barcelona. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
Real Barcelona fought back but fell short. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
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