Defeats push Rangers to change formation

Kamlesh Gosai

Visiting Mother City earned a psychological victory over Manning Rangers when they played to a goalless draw in the first leg of the Rothmans Cup competition at the Chatsworth stadium on Sunday.

City played defensively, with striker Alton Meiring fighting largely alone up front for the loose balls that were cleared by his defence.

The Maulers' coach, Gordon Igesund, was clearly disappointed with the result: "We punished them; we had so many chances but just didn't score. We did everything but couldn't put the ball into the net. It's very frustrating. The possession was at least 70 percent in our favour."

While the coach noticed the tentativeness of his debutante, Mozambican defender Helder Muianga, he was, on the whole, satisfied with the team performance. The only setback was the forced substitution of defender Robert Milne in the first half. He was injured in a clash with City striker Motlalentoa Selepe, who received a yellow card.

Being forced to bring on defender Nkhiphitheni Matombo reduced Rangers' substitution options. Midfielders Mandla and Japhet Zwane were substituted in the second half by Regan Stuart and Liswa Nduti respectively. Still, the strikes on goal by Gilbert Mushangazikhe, Nduti and Fees Moloi were wide.

Igesund is confident Rangers will be able to overcome City in two weeks in the second leg in Cape Town.