Moreirense extended their unbeaten run by defeating Trofense. The away side got off to a great start with Kodisang scoring a very good goal just 9 minutes into the game. Trofense tried to fight back, but the visitors were always able to maintain control of the game. Hugo Gomes and Madson settled the final score, with both goals being scored after the 80-minute mark. Paulo Alves’s side had another very convincing performance, as they continue to top the Portuguese second league after winning all 6 games they have played so far.
Ratings:
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be a strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average in this match
Kobamelo Kodisang
- Nationality: South African
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 28/08/1999
- Club: Moreirense FC (on loan from SC Braga)
- Career: Platinum Stars, Bidvest Wits FC, Sanjoanense (L), Braga B, Moreirense FC (L)
- Position: Winger
- Preferred foot: Left
Kobamelo Kodisang played as the right winger in Moreirense’s 4-3-3 in the match against Trofense. Standing at 1.68 meters with a lean build, Kodisang is very fast and agile. He is extremely quick over short and long distances, both with and without the ball. The SC Braga loanee has good close ball control that combined with his speed and quick foot movement make him very unpredictable. He wasn’t afraid to go for 1v1s and was tremendously successful, showing the capability to rapidly change direction. Using these traits he won Moreirense a penalty that was later converted by Hugo Gomes. He was a constant threat near the oppositions box and was very resourceful to do so. Besides, the winger was very composed even when under pressure.
His great receiving skills and technique allowed him to swiftly be prepared to face his opponents. Besides, Kodisang was also very good with both his feet. He also exhibited good vision to link up with his teammates mostly through quick first-time passes. His crossing technique was also good and almost earned an assist from a very good free kick. The 23-year-old demonstrated a quite good decision-making process but still needs to refine his output near the final third. At times his passing could’ve been better while trying to set up his teammates with opportunities. His finishing seem to be quite good and the goal he scored serves as proof. After an impressive run in behind, Kodisang received the ball really well inside the box and instantly went for a low-driven power shot that hit the back of Trofense’s net.
On the one hand, offensively, the South African player showed good spatial awareness and occupied free spaces very well. He played well in between Trofense’s defensive lines and was very dangerous on the wing. On the other hand, his defensive positioning out of possession could do with some improvement since at times he looked a little bit all over the place when needed to help. In spite of that, Kodisang made a couple of recoveries and allowed his team to setup a couple of counterattacks.
Rating – A1
Kobamelo Kodisang was very impressive throughout the match. He scored a marvellous goal, won a penalty and his very good performance was recognised as he won the Man of the Match Award. He was a constant threat in Moreirense’s attack by showing great speed and on-the-ball abilities. I could already see him playing for a club in Portugal’s first division.
Gonçalo Franco
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Age: 21
- Date of birth: 17/11/2000
- Club: Moreirense FC
- Career: FC Porto (Y), Rio Ave (Y), Leixões (Y), Leixões, Moreirense FC
- Position: Central Midfielder
- Preferred foot: Right
Gonçalo Franco played as one of the three midfielders for Moreirense. Standing at 1,76 meters with a normal build, Franco is a very combative, energic and positively aggressive player. The Portuguese midfielder was extremely rapid to pressure his opponents and close down distances. At times his defensive positioning could’ve been better but his speed allowed him to quickly correct his positioning. He helped his side to push back the home side multiple times with a couple of good recoveries and tackles. However, this meant that towards the middle of the second half he was already very tired and ended up being subbed off at the 67th minute.
He was very important for Moreirense since he often dropped back to help in the short build-up on his own half when needed, mostly through short quick combinations. Franco also played multiple fast one-twos through first-touch passes. He was very communicative and was always trying to make sure he was free to receive the ball. The 21-year-old was always very aware of his surroundings showing great spatial awareness. He displayed very good composure on the ball with good technique and receiving skills. Even under pressure, he was able to receive and play the ball quite well. On the whole, his decision-making was very good.
Gonçalo Franco’s dribbling was also quite good and he displayed great close control. His involvement near the final third was also good, even though in this match he didn’t get close to the opponent’s box many times. Nonetheless, he showed a very good work rate and was able to commit both offensively and defensively throughout the time he played.
Rating – A2
Gonçalo Franco displayed good potential to play at a higher level in this match, following up on the Midfielder of the Month Award he just won. Throughout the game, he played a very important role when his team didn’t have the ball. I would like to see more from him as I believe he can do even better than what he showed during this game, especially regarding his creativity on the ball.