23 Apr 2023

Extension Gunners, on Saturday, had their dream to continue in the Orange FA Cup shattered after falling 2-4 to Orapa United.

The winner was decided by penalties at the end of regulation time at Lobatse Sports Complex.

Gunners had put up a great performance against their more fancied opponents.

The two teams had a go at each other from the first whistle.

Gunners’ goalkeeper, Keagile Kgosipula, produced a point blank save from Onkemetse Powe after Orapa curved the hosts defence open in the first minute.

Power blazed another great opportunity over the posts two minutes later with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Gunners also had a clear sight of goal in the fifth minute, but attempt by Omphile Vissagie went inches wide.

A few minutes later, the hosts had a penalty appeal turned down after Ostriches defender, Thato Kebue, appeared to obstruct striker Boemo Lekorwe inside the box.

Gofaone Mabaya and Wilfred Muvirima also came close to opening the scoring for the visitors with close range headers that went narrowly wide as the thrilling first half finished goalless.

The Ostriches were the more attacking side at the beginning of the second half with Anelka Chivandire forcing an excellent save from Kgosipula in the 52nd minute and firing over the posts few minutes later after a great pass by Powe.

Mabaya was denied by the cross-bar in the 58th minute after Gunners failed to clear their lines.

As the game went on, Gunners started using the speed of substitute Kobamelo Kebaikanye to attack the opponents.

Mapantsola had another claim for penalty turned down late in the game when Thato Bolweleng appeared to be fouled after pouncing on a loose ball inside the box.

The Ostriches, who are the 2019 Orange FA Cup champions, then proceeded to the quarterfinals after Tapiwa Nyamanjiva, Mabaya, Kelvin Bingala and Mpho Kgaswane converted their spot-kicks.
Kebue had his kick saved by Kgosipula.

Lekorwe and Thamiso Gaogangwe converted their kicks for Gunners, while Ofentse Nato missed and Bolweleng had his kick saved by goalkeeper Lesenya Malapela. ENDS