14 Mar 2016

At a date to be announced, Orapa United will meet Township Rollers to wrap up this year’s Mascom Top 8 edition which carries a mouth watering P1.2 million prize.

The Ostriches, as Orapa United are affectionately known by their legion of fans, were the first to book themselves a place in the final after defeating their hosts, BDF XI at the Francistown Sports Complex Friday night (March 11).

The Ostriches had to over come hurdles before they could finally triumph over BDF XI 5-3 in a penalty shootout after the regular and extra times had failed to produce the winner.

The alluring encounter followed a 1-1 all draw in the first leg game played at Itekekeng Stadium in Orapa about three weeks ago.

The match started on a high pace with both teams trying to create chances to take an early lead but finding the back of the net in the first minutes was difficult as the pitch was wet and thus slippery.

A good run on the right flank from Bonolo Fraizer made a delivery into the boxand  Ronald Chikomo smashed home.

The cracker gave the Ostriches an early lead in the 26th minute which placed Matebele under pressure as Khumbulani Mdziba received a yellow card for a dangerous play.

However, before referee Keabetswe Dintwa could wrap up the first half, BDF XI’s Bonolo Phuduhudu forced a rebound from Ostriches’ keeper Mosimanegape Ditshupo which found Bitwell Phiri well positioned to hit a cracker just outside the 18 yard area equalising the score tally.

In the 60th minutes, it was clear both teams wanted fresh legs to create more chances as BDF’s Ofentse Mmipi replaced Bonolo Phuduhudu, while United’s Fraizer paved way for Thabang Sesinyi.

The changes appeared to have also increased the momentum of the game as both sides took long range shots to take the lead.

The 83rd minute marked the introduction of Onkabetse Makgantai replacing United’s goal hungry Lenyeletse.

The game finished in a 1-1 draw making it to extra time which also failed to produce a winner thereby leading to a penaltyshootout.

Orapa United won the penalty shoot-out by 5-3 against BDF XI thereby becoming the first team to qualify for the final.

Saturday (March 12), the following day, still at the Francistown Sports Complex, Township Rollers conquered arch rivals Mochudi Centre Chiefs 2-0 to join the Ostriches in the Tse di tona final.

This time around Rollers were the hosts in the second leg of the Mascom Top 8 semi-finals and it was clear from the blow of the whistle that each team had come to the clash aiming to reach the final.

Having lost to the city rivals Gaborone United last week in a premier league encounter, it was obvious that Popa would do evrything to avoid another embarrassment.

The alluring fixture kicked off at high speed with players on either side showing signs of preparedness and determination as they juggled the ball around looking for an early lead.

The defence line of both teams had remained rock solid keeping the ball out of the 18-yard area at all times with Chiefs creating more chance in the early minutes of the game.

Popa had to absorb the pressure as its opponents came out with guns blazing building chances in the middle of the park.

Rollers winger Kobamelo Kebaikanye had become the main attraction on the right side, courtesy of perfect deliveries from the middle of the park by OfentseNato.

Slowly Popa managed to contain the prowling Magosi frustrating some of its players such as Pontsho Moloi who received a yellow card for fouling Tshepo Mothabankwe.

The yellow card however, did not dampen the winger as he took on the Rollers defence from time to time with his skilful moves; unfortunately he would end up shooting off target.

Referee Lekgotla Johannes called for half time with the scoreboard still showing 0-0; however, in less than five minutes from half time Joel Mogorosi gave Mapalastina - another of Rollers’ several nick names - an early lead.

The 65th minute marked the introduction of the sensational Segolame Boy replacing Kebaikanye despite being consistent throughout the game.

The hosts put more pressure on the visitors which paid dividends as Maano’s bicycle kick from a rebound courtesy of Mogorosi increased the lead to 2-0.

The 83rd minute marked several substitutions from both benches; Chiefs brought in Jabu Pilane for Mpho kgaswane while Rollers replaced OfentseNato with Edwin Moalos.

Magosi did not want to go down without a fight as they continued to fight resulting in a free kick that went past the wall finding Kabelo Dambe well positioned to fist it back into play.

It was only two minutes then left before fulltime when Magosi were awarded another free kick outside the 18 yard area which still found Dambe ready for it.

Magosi, who were playing under a protest had once again lost to Township Rollers, after a 3-1 thrashing in the first leg some weeks ago, and now it will be Rollers vs. Orapa in this year’s P1.2 million worth Mascom Top 8 tournament. ENDS