25 Apr 2022

The highly coveted Orange FA Cup, fondly known as Bopha Skelem in local football circles, enters the exciting last 16 stage this  Friday. 

Over the weekend the closely contested cup tournament, known for producing shocking results over the past years, once again saw five premier league teams kiss the cup goodbye at its infancy stage.

The onslaught began on Saturday and the last team to have an early shower was visiting Morupule Wanderers, who fell to First Division South contenders, Black Forest in Mmankgodi.

Former Township Rollers marksman Terrance Mandaza’s strike in the 19^th minute was enough to send Morupule packing while Magoleng, as Black Forest is affectionately known, set a last 16 date with Jwaneng Galaxy, who narrowly beat Mogoditshane Fighters 4-2 on penalties.

Mahalapye Railways Highlanders got a rude awakening when high flying Selebi Phikwe First Division North giants Nico United put four past them.

The results ushered Nico into the last 16 and a date against Sua Flamingos, who were lucky to escape through penalty kicks against Tsa Botlhe.

Teddy Gunda and Ishmael Amposah of Holy Ghost struck twice to deny visiting 2019 Orange FA Cup champions Orapa United a chance to advance further in the competition. 

The Mmopane outfit  will come face to face with BDF XI, who advanced to the last 16 after a comfortable 2-0 win over Molepolole City.

Another premier league giant that fell on bended knees was Prisons XI, who succumbed to a 0-1 defeat at the hands of Matebele. 

The exciting Matebele will face Francistown giants, Tafic who beat Notwane 3-0 in the last 32 rounds.

In other exciting draws for the last 16, two premier league sides, Township Rollers and Security Systems will come face-to-face in an attempt to reach the quarter finals. 

Rollers beat Gilport Lions 1-0 on Friday while Systems walloped Mochudi Centre Chiefs. 

Calendar Stars, who inched to the last 16 after beating Chadibe have set a date with Gaborone United, who walloped Motaung Young Fghters 6-1. 

Police XI will take on Eleven Angels while Gunners, who beat Kgabosetso 4-1, will travel to Palapye for a tricky date with BIUST All Stars. ends