GU retain FA Cup
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday June 20, 2022 16:00
Reds have completed a season double after securing the league championship last month. They have won every competitive tournament since sporting activities resumed from the break occasioned by the outbreak of COVID-19.
However, it was not an easy assignment on Saturday as GU went a goal down and had a player sent off but still managed to win the tie.
Systems took the lead just 10 minutes into the tie as Letlhogonolo Chenjela delivered a low cross to Takunda Sadiki who beat the goalkeeper. The Reds quickly responded when Thatayaone Kgamanyane beat the goalkeeper to the far post with powerful shot to level the matters.
On the 19th minute, Lebogang Ditsele had his shot parried away for a corner by the goalkeeper. It was an end-to-end attack thereafter as the two teams gifted the spectators an interesting first half.
Three minutes to the closure of the half, Mpho Kgaswane found Obonwe Maome inside the box, the latter was composed enough to beat the goalkeeper to the top corner as GU went into the break with a 2-1 lead.
Half time substitute, Poloko Nkalolang had an eventful 10 minutes after coming on board. He had been booked before going down with a nasty injury. The midfielder was stretched off and rushed to the hospital in an ambulance with the game delayed for 10 minutes. GU’s defender, Kennedy Amutenya was sent off for the tackle on Nkalolang.
The two teams continued where they left off after the tie resumed.
On the 72nd minute Mwampule Masule slipped when he attempted to make a save. However, substitute Thero Setsile failed to capitalise. On the 81st minute, Ookeditse Semelamela produced a double save, first from Eric Molefhi shot from range that was parried back in to play, then to deny Molaodi Tlhaolang headed effort on the follow up. Three minutes to regulation time Thato Ogopotse had a go with volley but it went just over the bar. The referee added 12 minutes and GU held on to claim the season three Orange FA Cup triumph.
The Teams:
Systems: Mwampule Masule, Daniel Montshiwa, Tebogo Kopelang, Osego Gaotewe (Ronald Chikomo), Kitso Mangolo (Letsile Montsho), Thato Ogopotse, Tawana Mbakile (Poloko Nkalolang (Eric Molefhi) Morris Rusivo (Kenanao Kgetholetsile), Molaodi Tlhaolang, Takunda Sadiki, Letlhogonolo Chenjela
GU: Ookeditse Semelamela, Alphord Velaphi, Kennedy Amutenya, Thato Kebue, Mothusi Johnson, Lesego Galenamotlhale, Lebogang Ditsele, Mpho Kgaswane (Karabo Phiri), Obonwe Maome (Tshepo Maikano), Thatayaone Kgamanyane (Thatayaone Ramatlapeng), Onkabetse Makgantai (Thero Setsile)
Cautions: Rusivo, Mangolo, Nkalolang, Galenamotlhale, Maome, Semelamela
Dismissal: Amutenya