30 Nov 2020

Orapa United FC took a big advantage in their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round tie after defeating AS Kigali 2-1 in the first leg on Sunday afternoon.

The Ostriches as Orapa is fondly known qualified for the first round of the CAF cup after being crowned Mascom Top 8 winners.

They were drawn against the Amahoro based AS Kigali for the first leg of the two legged tie that was played at the national stadium Sunday afternoon.

Orapa United’s 2017 appearance was cut short by eSwatini side Mbabane Swallows, who elbowed them out in the first round of the competition.

On Sunday, two first half strikes were enough to give hope to the Mogomotsi Mpote charges for a slot in the closely contested continental showpiece.

The visitors, who played a cautious defensive game plan struggled to curve out any serious attacks in the opening minutes and were immediately punished by the home side after a brilliant and patient build up. Gofaone Mabaya tucked home to open the score line in a match played under the scotching sun.

Orapa looked the hungrier of the two sides and dominated much possession, but failed at times when opportunity beckoned to crack open AS Kigali defensive wall.

Rachidi Kalisa and Eric Nsabimana denied Orapa many chances to string out passes to feed their attacking trio.

Orapa never gave up and pushed for a breakthrough and were finally rewarded when Mbatshi Elias extended the lead seven minutes later after being excellently being torn up by Wabuya Aebe.

Orapa goal minder Lesenya Malapela was kept busy in the second half as the Amahoro boys pushed for a goal to reduce the deficit.

The likes of Gape Gagoangwe denied Kigali any chance to come within the danger zone. As fatigue wore in Gagoangwe was finally pulled out and replaced by Tapiwa Nyamanjiva.

Aebe was also taken off and Omatla Kebatho thrown in to look for an insurance goal.

Abubakar Lawal pulled one back for Kigali and restored hope with an away goal.

The two sides meet on Sunday afternoon in Rwanda. ENDS