04 Mar 2024

Extension Gunners’ hope of a good run in the Orange FA Cup disappeared into thin air following a 3-1 defeat to Sua Flamingoes at Lobatse Sports Complex on March 3.

The hosts produced a lame performance and suffered an early exit from the competition for the first time since the 2019/20 season, when they were beaten on penalties in the round of 32 stage by minnows Diamond Chiefs.

They failed to rise to the occasion in front of their supporters and allowed the visitors to be comfortable and apply pressure from the first whistle. Gunners conceded a corner-kick from one of the visitors’ early attacks and when their defence failed to clear the corner-kick taken by Mcebisi Moyo, attacking midfielder Samuel Makgoro steered home from close range to give Flamingoes a second minute lead.

They then put Gunners on the back foot and goalkeeper Ofentse Tauyatswala saved a well-taken shot from Moyo five minutes later to prevent Flamingoes from doubling their lead.

Gunners, however, managed to string passes through Brian Mankanku, Thamiso Gagoangwe and Boyo Lechaena, but were unable to trouble the visitors defence, which was shielded by defensive midfielders Marius Kotze and Mpho Odubeng.

They only managed to create their first good scoring opportunity in the 23rd minute but striker Thuso Keraetswe ballooned his effort over the posts after combining with Kgotso Tlholwe.

Sloppy passing resulted in Gunners losing possession in midfield and Flamingoes quickly worked the ball to Makgoro whose shot was pushed onto the posts by Tauyatswala. Gunners midfield was once again caught in possession a few minutes later and Makgoro this time punished them by rounding Tauyatswala and doubling Flamingoes lead in the 33rd minute.

Flamingoes’ goalkeeper Keletso Lekuni then produced a wonderful save push away Tlholwe’s attempt for a corner after the striker was sent clear on goal. Flamingoes continued with their attacking mode after the break.

Their striker Nqobile Ndlovu came close to increasing their lead after outpacing Mosimanegape Ntwaetsile, while midfielder Keorapetse Ramakgathi had a low shot saved by Tauyatswala.

Ramakgathi and Makgoro combined nicely to set up Moyo who shot into the bottom corner to extend Flamingoes lead in the 59th minute.

Gunners wasted an immediate opportunity to reduce the arrears when Tlholwe fluffed his lines with only Lekuni to beat after being put through on goal for the second time.

Mankanku then picked up an errant ball from Lekuni and set up substitute Boipelo Oaitse to pull one back for Gunners in the 70th minute. But the goal failed to spark any fight back as Flamingoes comfortably reached the Round of 16 stage. Ends