04 May 2022

BDF XI escaped an upset after defeating Holy Ghost 3 -1 via penalties in the Orange FA Cup on Sunday. The two teams had played one-all during regulation time.

Holy Ghost, which plys trade in the Debswana First Division South, enjoyed a fairy tale run which included knocking off Okapi United from the tournament.

BDF XI started the game on high tempo and Thabo Metlhayotlhe scored a goal in the first minutes.

Godiraone Modingwane could have extended the score and put Holy Ghost under pressure but his long range effort went wide.

At the other end, the host sides did everything they could to equalize but unfortunately they could not take advantage of the BDF XI defence, which seemed unorganised.

Ishmael Amponsah could have levelled scores following a breakthrough but goalkeeper Kagiso Matlou was able to deal with a one on one situation.

Striker Mbonisi Ncube of BDF XI, although he had a busy afternoon, was skating on thin ice following a yellow card he received after he fouled the goalkeeper.

Coach Letang Kgengwenyane had to give him a warning following another foul when he tried a bicycle kick while the defender was heading the ball.

Matlou, who received a Man of the Match award for his performance, struggled with the goal kicks as they mostly landed on his opponents. The second half saw a more rejuvenated Holy Ghost.

They changed the game plan from long passes, although they only concentrated on one side of the field.

This eventually paid dividends as Basimanebotlhe Kamogelo’s header beat Matlou after he received a long pass inside the box.

With the game now tied, it now became an end to end affair, and also physical.

Thabiso Khunwane received a yellow card and Kgengwenyane eventually substituted Ncube as a precautionary measure.

BDF XI almost took the lead but defender Patrick Dikgang scooped the ball over the head of Thato Kananyo following a quick counter attack. Holy Ghost’s goalkeeper escaped with only a yellow card but he should have been sent off following a violent push on a BDF XI player.

At the end of regulation time, the match went straight to penalties and Holy Ghost missed two penalties that resulted with BDF XI advancing to the quarterfinals. ENDS