27 Feb 2017

Mascom Top 8 defending champions, Orapa United inched past Township Rollers after a convincing two tier semifinal victories to set a date against the cup debutants, Jwaneng Galaxy.

The Ostriches as the Orapa outfit is affectionately known, advances to the final after an aggregate 4-1 score. This set what is now known as a “Diamond Derby” with Jwaneng-based Galaxy.

Orapa convincingly beat a hapless Rollers 2-1 with a goal in each half from the hardworking attacking midfielder, Tendai Nyumasi and forceful marksman, Omaatla Kebatho before the lanky Pape Abdoulaye Ndaw converted a last gasp consolation goal with just ten minutes before the end of regulation time.

Rollers approached the encounter a wounded lot after being scalped two nil a month ago in the first round of the semifinal.

They became the hungrier of the two in the opening exchanges as they were first to come close to glory but their striker Terrance Mandaza fluffed a looping pass from Edwin Moalosi.

Moments later Nyumasi curled in a left footed screamer far beyond Kabelo Dambe’s reach to break the deadlock.

The on song new signee Gift Moyo nearly worsened Rollers’ misery but was let down by indecisiveness after a neat exchange between Nyumasi and Kebatho.

Past the hour mark, Kebatho displayed his aggression against Mosha Gaolaolwe overpowering him in the process and giving Dambe no chance with a close post scorcher.

Rollers made a few passes up front but a resolute defence wall of Kealeboga Molebatsi, Thabang Mosige and Lesenya Ramoraka thwarted any imminent danger from the likes of Segolame Boy and Lemponye Tshireletso.

Boy finally made a defence splitting pass that was met by Tshireletso on the far left who wasted no chance in making across that Orapa keeper spilled to the out stretched Ndaw to pull one back.

This is the second time Rollers missed out on the final spot of the mouthwatering cup after falling to BDF XI, Gaborone United and lately Orapa United.

They won the inaugural edition in 2012 against ECCO City Greens. ENDS