14 Nov 2021

Jwaneng Galaxy scored four goals against Notwane’s one to win an emotionally charged Orange FA Cup quarterfinal match  in Lobatse on Friday. 

As much for the brilliance on the pitch, the match would also be remembered for unsavoury behaviour.

Players repeatedly engaged in scuffles near the Notwane goalposts for some moments in the second half. 

It looked like the scuffles were caused by some Galaxy players wanting to remove a substance allegedly placed in the net. The action, however, appeared to irk their opponents.

The dramatic match also finished with Galaxy reduced to nine men after captain, Thabo Leinanyane, and substitute, Doctor David, collected two bookings each. 

David picked his first booking for deliberately kicking the ball into the net while doing the warm up.

Galaxy dominated the match itself with veteran midfielder Olebogeng Malebye spraying passes in the first half. 

However, the attackers failed to convert their opportunities. Notwane goalkeeper Thomas Manyalela also pulled off a brilliant save from Moagi Sechele in the 36 minute after the overlapping defender found himself one on one with the goalkeeper. The marauding Gilbert Baruti saw a well taken shot rebound back to play off the post a minute before half-time. 

Notwane managed to string together some neat moves in the first half without seriously testing Galaxy goalkeeper, Anthony Gouws. 

Notwane’s usually energetic winger, Tsogang Israel, was off form while Jarona Jarona, Thato Moganana and Sthembile Mbuqe also struggled to support striker Aobakwe Tshobo. 

However, they took the lead five minutes into the second half through a well taken free-kick by Tshobo, his first goal in the gold and black colours since being signed from Miscellaneous in the past transfer window. 

The setback stung Galaxy into action. 

Galaxy increased pressure upfront with coach Morena Ramoreboli bringing on Resaobaka Thatanyane and veteran Tebogo Sembowa. The switch paid dividend as the nippy Thatanyane slotted into an empty net in the 60th minute after Manyalela spilled a cross.  

He gave Galaxy the lead two minutes later with a well taken header from a cross by Sechele, who was impressive on the left flank.

Sembowa teed up Lucky Mokoena to extend Galaxy lead three minutes later. 

After David and Leinanyane got sent off, Thatanyane completed his hat trick in stoppage time with another tap in from a cross by substitute, Isaac Paeye. ends