23 Sep 2024

Orapa United has advanced to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup after eliminating Dynamos FC of Zimbabwe 3-1 following a penalty shootout at the Obed Itani Chilume stadium in Francistown on Sunday. 

Credit should be given to the Orapa United goalkeeper, Lesenya Malapela, who saved two spot kicks whilst the other one went over the cross bar. 

Orapa United got their first goal in the 72nd minute through Ivan Kamberipa after the teams went to the break goalless. 

Taking advantage of a defense lapse by Dynamos FC, Kamberipa expertly slotted the ball into the back of the net. 

The goal proved to be a pivotal moment for Orapa United, who lost 1-0 in their first leg encounter against Dynamos, but the goal by the Ostriches, as Orapa United is affectionately known in football circles, was not enough to book a ticket to the group stage. 

Dynamos, like in the previous encounter, had an upper hand in the first segment of the game but the Ostriches returned from the break as an organised squad. 

They were a different team than the one that had gone into the break and passes spread across the field with precision, each player moving with a purpose. 

Dynamos, who had seemed comfortable in the first half, were suddenly on the back foot as Orapa’ United’s attack was relentless, forcing Dynamos defenders into desperate tackles and scrambling clearances. 

At some point, Gofaone Mabaya missed a target outside the box as his thunderbolt went above the cross bar. 

On the other hand, Dynamos had a golden opportunity to take control of the match early on.

After earning a penalty in the first half, they had a clear opportunity to score and build on the momentum. 

The crowd held their breath, anticipating a goal that would set the tone for the game but fate, it seemed, had other plans. 

The penalty kick sailed above the cross bar, leaving Dynamos with a missed opportunity and a sense of what could have been. 

In a post-match press briefing, Dynamos coach, Lloyd Chigowe said he was disappointed by the outcome of the game. 

He said he had expected his boys to continue from where they left in the first encounter but fate had its other plans. 

“It is unfortunate that we did not get the goals we had planned for but I have to praise Orapa United for advancing to the group stages,” he added. 

Orapa United coach, Jimmy Pantev said though his side won the match, he was not happy with the way the team played in first half. 

He said though his team advanced to the group stage, the main challenge is that the team used inexperienced and young players who are not exposed to international encounters. 

He however said he will try his best to do better at the group stage and that the win against Dynamos gave them confidence to do better in the country’s elite league. Ends