In their SAFA Second Division League match at the Makwarela Stadium on Saturday, The Dolphins beat Basel FC 2-0.

The coach of Dolphins, Mr Joel Mongalo, effected an early change to his starting line-up against his will. Their midfielder, Mohale Kometse, sustained a knee injury in the 14th minute. He was replaced with David Nkambule.

The Tshilamba-based referee, Mr Avhasei Simba, flashed the first yellow card in the 19th  minute. Godfrey Mahlala of Basel obstructed Themba Mangwana and Simba took no time to produce yellow. Basel threatened to score in the 27th minute. Their slender striker, Isaac Chauke, forced his way through the defence of Dolphins and unleashed a ground cutter. The ball hit the woodwork and went astray, much to the disappointment of the team’s fans.

The Dolphins created some defence-splitting moves towards the end of the first half, but it was difficult for them to find their way through the defence of Basel.

Basel introduced Aluwani Nemakhavhani for Vulani Matuasa three minutes into the last stanza, but the team committed suicide by starting to play defensive football in the second half. That gave the visitors from Polokwane plenty of time to invade their territory.

A mix-up within the Basel danger zone in the 64th minute gave rise to the Dolphins’ initial goal. Lesedi Kgasago hooked the ball into the net to give his side a 1-0 lead.  Realising that they had everything to lose, Basel started to play their normal football again. They later replaced their striker, Isaac Chauke, with Khethani Gabara in a bid to fortify their striking force.

The Dolphins extended their lead in the 79th minute. A substitute, Maifa Madikana, found the net, following a neat pass from Lesedi Kganyago.