15 Mar 2020

Orange FA Cup defending champions, Orapa United have been booted out of the cup after suffering a 4 -3 defeat to Gaborone United at Itekeng Stadium in Orapa on Friday evening.  

The game ended in a goalless stalemate during regulation time, and the two teams were separated through a penalty shoot-out.

After Lawrence Nduga and Kobamelo Kebaikanye missed their spot kicks for the defending champions, veteran striker, Joel Mogorosi converted the last kick for GU to earn them a spot in the next stage of the competition.

In a post-match interview, the Ostriches coach, Mogomotsi Mpote, said despite the loss his team played structured and formidable football.

Mpote acknowledged that his strikers were not putting enough pressure on GU defenders and as such had time on the ball.

“They did not apply enough pressure to get the desired results,” said Mpote, adding “we could have scored one or two goals.”  

Mpote said the two teams played a balanced game in the first half, but said it was not enough for his team.

“It was crucial to force errors on GU defence but they did not have any luck,” said Mpote.

On the other hand, GU coach Pontsho Moloi said he was happy with how the boys played, adding that they had good account on the field.

Moloi also said his players kept the shape and structure, but expressed concern that the field was not favourable since it had rained. He said the plan was to score an early goal, but that they had to adapt to the conditions and struggled a bit.

He added that they had three clear chances. Their midfield and defence, he said, was strong.

Meanwhile, Jwaneng Galaxy have also progressed to the next stage of the Orange FA cup after defeating Mochudi Rovers 2-0.

The two goals were scored by Moagi Sechele and substitute Patrick Kaunda.

In an interview, coach Nikola Kavazovic of Jwaneng Galaxy applauded both teams for displaying good football.

Kavazovic described the match as a battle between the best team in the country in Jwaneng Galaxy against  a determined and formidable team in Mochudi Rovers.

He said it was also a strange game as the best team was facing an opponent made up of young players who were determined to prove their mettle.

Kavazovic was also delighted by the crowd that braved the scorching sun as they came in numbers at Atlanta Chiefs ground to witness a game of football.

Despite playing in the second division, Kavazovic said Rovers must be commended for commanding such a major support base.

Asked why he had opted to play Lebogang Ditsile, a natural midfielder as a central defender, Kavazovic said the player was multi-talented and able to switch positions with ease.  “I am delighted by his command of the defence and as long as I am his coach I will continue to play him in that position,” said Kavazovic.

Mochudi Rovers coach, Patrick Molefe commended his team dispite bowing out of the lucrative Orange FA cup.  Despite the loss, Molefe said his team played positively.

“In the first half, my team was able to hold the ball, only to lose focus in the second half and allow Galaxy to get the two quick goals,” said Molefe.

Molefe also said although his team was not doing well in the Debswana First Division South league, they were much better in the tournament despite the loss.

“My team was facing a team of professionals who are playing at the elite league and therefore displayed better tactics which led them to convert twice in the second half,” he said.

In Sowa Town, Township Rollers huffed and puffed to defeat Sua Flamingoes 1-0. However, it was a welcome victory for the Blues after last weeks loss against Orapa United in the Mascom Top  final.

The game was palyed at Sowa Town Council Stadium on Saturday. Rollers, aka Mapalastina, managed to proceed to the quarter-finals, courtesy of Tumisang Orebonye who scored on the 87th minute of the game.

The first half, which was played at a low tempo, saw the Sua boys having better possession compared to Mapalastina who were struggling to outsmart their formation.

Within five minutes of the first half, Galabgwe Moyana tried his luck but his attempt flew over the bar. In the 34th minute,

Sowa also tried their luck through Wilfred Dithwane but his shot also flew over the bar from just outside the box.

Just before the second half commenced, Motsholetsi Sikele came in for the injured Moyana and his introduction changed the pace of the game.

Mapalastina started the second half determined to get an opening goal by putting more pressure on Sua.

They forced Sua Flamengoes to sit back and defend. In the 54th minute, Orebonye forced a one handed after a powerful header.

Sua Flamingoes goalkeeper, Andrew Race was equal to the task after a well taken free kick by Simisani Mathumo.

Samuel Makgoro of Sua Flamingoes also tried his luck, but it was easily dealt with by Rollers goalkeeper, Wagarre Dikago.

Bame Morwalela, who came in for Tlhalefo Molebatsi, also shot at goal from close range, but his attempt was also nullified.

Mapalastina launched a counter attack, and Lemponye Tshireletso, who substituted Ivan Mbowa, crossed to the far post from outside the box.

With three minutes left, Orebonye pounced on a lose ball and controlled within the box before striking past Race to hand Rollers the victory.

Ogomoditse Bauleni of Sua Flamingoes was choosen man of the match.ENDS