09 May 2022

Security Systems have reached semi-finals of the Orange FA Cup for the first time after coming from behind to beat Extension Gunners 2-1 in a thrilling quarterfinal encounter on Sunday.  

Gunners were awarded a penalty in the second minute at Lobatse Sports Complex when referee Gobitsamang Johannes adjudged Systems goalkeeper Karabo Gaolebale to have fouled Kabelo Babusi.

However, it was Gaolebale who got injured from the collision and required lengthy treatment.

When play resumed after eight minutes, Baokeditswe Talane coolly dispatched the resultant spot-kick to give Gunners the lead.

The two teams had a go at each other afterwards even though they did not create many scoring opportunities. Systems had a chance to equalise in the 20th minute, but Takunda Sadiki headed a wide cross from Aobakwe Radikolana.

The Alarm Boys then saw a long-range effort by defender Bophelo Macheng fly narrowly over the post in the 29th minute.

Gunners nearly doubled their lead three minutes later. Kgotso Phuti combined with Omphile Vissage who fired narrowly wide from the edge of the penalty area.

Letlhogonolo Chenjela wasted a great opportunity in the 36th minute by shooting straight at Gunners goalkeeper Isaac Moyo after pouncing on a mistake by defenders Mpho Ramogonono and Percy More.

Systems coach Solomon Wire Kaelo brought on experienced striker Kenanao Kgetholetsile and Poloko Nkalolang immediately after half-time and the change paid immediate dividend as Nkalolang levelled matters in the 50th minute with a header from a cross by Sadiki.

Systems took total control of the match after the goal and forced Gunners into rear-guard action.

Moyo pulled two stunning saves from Molaodi Tlhalefang and Radikolana to keep Gunners level.

However, the goalkeeper could do nothing to stop a scorcher from Thato Ogopotse in the 82nd minute after the midfielder picked a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area.

Systems coach Kaelo said in a post-match interview that his team managed to turn things around after changing their approach in the second half.

“We conceded a goal in the first 30 seconds or so, but we kept our cool and at halftime, we changed the formation a little bit with Gorroso (Nkalolang) and Flo (Kgetholetsile).

It gave us the momentum and second half they didn’t have much of the ball and that worked for us,” said the coach.

Gunners coach Wame ‘Pepe’ Mokoke said his team was punished for committing some blunders.

“We tried to play unfortunately Systems were coming at us and we committed some blunders.

We failed to defend the blind spot and got punished,” said the coach. ENDS