Galaxy beat Hawks 1-0 in the semi finals played at the National Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Galaxy Stars are a game away from their maiden Orange FA Cup triumph while they are also enjoying an eight point lead in the league race with just six games to play. Hawks’ fairy-tale run in the competition has also come to end as they were the only team with third tier league status in the last four.
The Students survived an early scare in the first minute. Thabang Sesinyi had beaten the on-rushing goalkeeper but Khumo Bogale made a crucial tackle to deny the forward a goal. Sesinyi was on the 16th minute afforded some space in the box but his header was superbly parried away for a corner by Kabo Ntswaneng.
Hawks could have been on the lead in the 28th minute as Silent Kenneth played a through ball to Thabiso Fani and the latter with only the goalkeeper to beat, shot wide off the post. On the brink of half time, Gift Moyo rounded the goalkeeper but once again Bogale came to Hawks’ rescue as he cleared the ball on the goal line. It remained level at 0-0 at the break. Two minutes into the second half, Ntswaneng was called in to action to tip over Tlamelo Kolagano’s effort from the free-kick. Galaxy had another free-kick attempt saved on the 70th minute but this time it was Sesinyi’s effort.
Daniel Msendami, who had been a thorn on Hawks’ defense, broke the deadlock on the 75th minute. The forward cut in from the left wing and with his right foot drilled a shot into the bottom corner to score the match winner. Hawks tried to stage a comeback but were let down by the final ball as Galaxy booked a place in the Orange FA Cup final. Galaxy’s head coach, Morena Ramoreboli, showered his opposite number, Alex Malete, with praises after the win. “They are a well coached team, a very intelligent coach and maybe the right words would be he is the future of Botswana. He knew that we would want to get into the wider channels and the first thing he did was to lock wider corridors and made sure that we also block the half spaces,” said Ramoreboli.
The teams
Hawks: Kabo Ntswaneng, Thatayaone Nkwapa, Harvey Matema (Olorato Letshwenyo), Bonno Sepako, Ishmael Metlhaleng, Katlego Koobake, Pako Osupile, Silent Kenneth, Thabiso Fani (Kago Sesinyi), Kago Mokaeya (Mmoloki Kgaswane), Khumo Bogale
Galaxy: Goitseone Phoko, Moagi Sechele, Lesego Kereedilwe, Tlamelo Kolagano, Thabo Leinanyane, Nqobizitha Masuku (Mxolisi Mkhonto), Kutlwelo Mpolokang, Gift Moyo (Wendell Rudath), Thero Setsile, Thabang Sesinyi (Gilber Baruti), Daniel Msendami (Fortunate Thulare) Cautions: Kago Sesinyi
Hawks 0 Galaxy 1 (Msendami 75th)
