24 Apr 2023

Gaborone United are still on course to defend the Orange FA Cup.

They beat Crackit City Polar 3-0 through spot-kicks in the last 16 encounter played in Lobatse on Sunday.

The match finished 1-1 after regulation time after the first division side took a shock lead early in the second half through Emmanuel Thabe, with the defending champions equalising 19 minutes later through Sizwe Twala

GU aka The Reds dominated ball possession from the onset but were not sharp enough to break the well organised opponents defence.

City Polar were resolute at the back with Gofaone Molapi, Kabelo Thari and Boikobo Kebafedile frustrating GU forwards John Makwata, Obonwe Maome and Tshepo Malgas.

City Polar aka The Students attacked their more illustrious opponents on the break using forward Abubakar Mutawaki.

City had the ball in the net in the 16th minute after the GU defence failed to clear a free-kick but Molapi was adjudged to have been offside when he scored.

Maome fired over the posts in the 28th minute, while Makwata powered a close range header inches wide in the 44th minute as GU pressed for an opener.

City Polar goalkeeper, Tshomarelo More also denied Malgas with a brave save in the 45th minute.

The Students then stunned GU supporters in the 48th minute when substitute Thabe buried a beautiful header from a cross by Katlego Bogatsu.  

The goal rattled GU which started pilling pressure. Mothusi Cooper tested More with a shot from distance before substitute Twala levelled matters after the City Polar defence fumbled a clearance.

However, GU once again failed to capitalise on their dominance and were reduced to 10 men in the 85th minute after Cooper collected a second booking for dangerous play.

The match went to spot-kicks and substitute Ronnel Manyanga, Duncan Otieno and Twala converted for GU. GU substitute goalkeeper Ookeditse Semelamela saved Molapi and Kamogelo

Kashiwa’s kicks, while Boikobo Kebafedile blasted his kick over the posts. GU, the 2020 and 2022 Botswana FA Cup champions, will meet Mogoditshane Fighters in the quarterfinals.

Last season’s finalists Security Systems were drawn against Township Rollers, while Masitaoka were drawn against BDF XI. Jwaneng Galaxy would take on 2019 champions Orapa United in the quarterfinals. ENDS