Khama Billiat’s last-gasp goal in the first leg in Ndola to keep Mamelodi Sundowns in their Caf Champions League semifinal tie continued to raise the forward’s burgeoning reputation on the continent.
Billiat kept his head under enormous pressure to slot past Zesco United goalkeeper Jacob Banda in the 87th minute at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday to make the scoreline 2-1‚ and give Downs a good chance for this Saturday’s home leg.
In doing so the little Zimbabwean attacking genius also continued to write his name in South African footballing history as one of the most special forwards to have played in the Premier Soccer League.
The ball came to Billiat in a tough match for Sundowns‚ who were on the back foot against Zesco’s vaunted attack‚ at a moment when the forward must have known it would be Downs’ last chance.
As if that pressure were not enough‚ Billiat had to control the ball on a well-grassed but uneven surface and then pick a spot past Banda.
The Zimbabwean revealed he had even opted for the near post to “play mind games” with Zesco’s captain.
“Most of the time we have instances like that where as a winger or striker you need to be in the box‚ when your other winger has got the ball – and I was there‚” Billiat said.
“Secondly‚ I had so much to do. I had to take two touches to be in control of the ball because the surface was not the best.
“I’d been taking one touch throughout the game and it wasn’t giving me anything.
“So the coach [Pitso Mosimane] was telling me to take two touches in the box‚ no matter how difficult it is.
“I did that and then I had to pick a spot. I had to play with his [Banda’s] mind. I normally would go for the far post. But I had to take a chance.
“As much as it was a huge amount of pressure‚ I had to do the right thing. Because the next thing I was going to lose the chance.”
Billiat’s goal came on a late breakaway excellently initiated from Downs’ half by Keagan Dolly winning the ball and beating a player‚ then releasing substitute Anthony Laffor down the right.
The Liberian’s cross found Billiat free.
But the Downs forward’s two touches gave Zesco right-back Simon Silwimba the chance to come across and Billiat had to take the shot‚ which went in off Banda’s left upright.
Such a goal of pure class from the PSL’s 2015-16 Player of the Season might tempt Downs coach Pitso Mosimane to field Billiat again in Wednesday night’s MTN8 semifinal second leg match against Chippa United at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
As the Brazilians’ punishing schedule continues Mosimane must decide whether to field a B side – as with last week’s midweek league 0-0 away draw against Maritzburg United – or ask his first team to push through.
With the scoreline at 0-0 from Sunday‚ Mosimane might opt to utilise his situation of having a domestic semifinal as a distraction from the ultimate continental prize to his advantage.
Downs were disjointed in Ndola‚ especially in defence‚ and more especially on the left side of that.
Mosimane might opt to field his strongest team on Wednesday night and use the MTN semi as a chance to rectify his side’s mistakes‚ and at the same time try to beat dangerous Chippa.
Saturday’s Champions League second leg is also at Lucas Moripe Stadium. - TMG Digital
Billiat's profile on the continent continues to grow as Sundowns march on
Khama Billiat’s last-gasp goal in the first leg in Ndola to keep Mamelodi Sundowns in their Caf Champions League semifinal tie continued to raise the forward’s burgeoning reputation on the continent.
Billiat kept his head under enormous pressure to slot past Zesco United goalkeeper Jacob Banda in the 87th minute at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday to make the scoreline 2-1‚ and give Downs a good chance for this Saturday’s home leg.
In doing so the little Zimbabwean attacking genius also continued to write his name in South African footballing history as one of the most special forwards to have played in the Premier Soccer League.
The ball came to Billiat in a tough match for Sundowns‚ who were on the back foot against Zesco’s vaunted attack‚ at a moment when the forward must have known it would be Downs’ last chance.
As if that pressure were not enough‚ Billiat had to control the ball on a well-grassed but uneven surface and then pick a spot past Banda.
The Zimbabwean revealed he had even opted for the near post to “play mind games” with Zesco’s captain.
“Most of the time we have instances like that where as a winger or striker you need to be in the box‚ when your other winger has got the ball – and I was there‚” Billiat said.
“Secondly‚ I had so much to do. I had to take two touches to be in control of the ball because the surface was not the best.
“I’d been taking one touch throughout the game and it wasn’t giving me anything.
“So the coach [Pitso Mosimane] was telling me to take two touches in the box‚ no matter how difficult it is.
“I did that and then I had to pick a spot. I had to play with his [Banda’s] mind. I normally would go for the far post. But I had to take a chance.
“As much as it was a huge amount of pressure‚ I had to do the right thing. Because the next thing I was going to lose the chance.”
Billiat’s goal came on a late breakaway excellently initiated from Downs’ half by Keagan Dolly winning the ball and beating a player‚ then releasing substitute Anthony Laffor down the right.
The Liberian’s cross found Billiat free.
But the Downs forward’s two touches gave Zesco right-back Simon Silwimba the chance to come across and Billiat had to take the shot‚ which went in off Banda’s left upright.
Such a goal of pure class from the PSL’s 2015-16 Player of the Season might tempt Downs coach Pitso Mosimane to field Billiat again in Wednesday night’s MTN8 semifinal second leg match against Chippa United at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
As the Brazilians’ punishing schedule continues Mosimane must decide whether to field a B side – as with last week’s midweek league 0-0 away draw against Maritzburg United – or ask his first team to push through.
With the scoreline at 0-0 from Sunday‚ Mosimane might opt to utilise his situation of having a domestic semifinal as a distraction from the ultimate continental prize to his advantage.
Downs were disjointed in Ndola‚ especially in defence‚ and more especially on the left side of that.
Mosimane might opt to field his strongest team on Wednesday night and use the MTN semi as a chance to rectify his side’s mistakes‚ and at the same time try to beat dangerous Chippa.
Saturday’s Champions League second leg is also at Lucas Moripe Stadium. - TMG Digital
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