The match, played at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium on Saturday, saw Galaxy join an elite rank of local clubs like Township Rollers by achieving a league and cup double. The first half was mainly subdued although Orapa had an upper hand, with forward Eric Ookame missing two significant scoring opportunities. Galaxy were denied what appeared to be a clear goal late in the first half. That was after defender, Thabo Leinanyane beat Orapa goalkeeper,Keeagile Kgosipula, with a well taken shot, after connecting with Gilbert Baruti’ s free kick. The defender was adjudged to have been offside although he appeared to be undoubtedly onside.
Galaxy started showing more intent after the break and were rewarded for their efforts in the 57th minute when an unmarked Thero Setsile scored with a neat header from the back post. Moments later, Kgosipula kept the Ostriches in the game when he acrobatically dealt with Baruti’s shot from close range after the latter had been set up by Daniel Msendami. The referee’s optional time was very dramatic for both sides. Tshepo Malgas was sent off in the 95th minute after he was pronounced to have denied Galaxy’s Wendell Rudath a clear goal scoring opportunity. Three minutes later, substitute Lemogang Maswena scored the crucial equaliser for Orapa after he pounced on a loose ball inside the goal area. That was after Galaxy failed to deal with Mpho Kgaswane’s long range free-kick that initially hit the post.
However, the celebration by Orapa supporters was short-lived. Forward Thabang Sesinyi wrapped up the match for Galaxy in the 100th minute. Sesinyi capitalised on poor ball control by Zebras' defender, Thato Kebue, before slotting the ball past Kgosipula. There was little time for Orapa to recover. Galaxy's coach, Morena Ramoreboli, praised Orapa's tactical prowess but said that some of the mistakes by his team especially in the first half were expected after a grueling season.
“This was a very good game. We played against a good team. Some of the mistakes from my players were expected because of the number of matches we have played this season. Orapa are a well-coached side if you factor in how they play and the set up. They were giving us problems in all the departments. Even their changes showed that they are a team that wants to win. I must give credit to their coach. He is very intelligent. This was one of those difficult matches for us,” he said.
Ostriches coach, Gadimang Tiiso attributed his side’s loss to stage fright and lack of experience. “Galaxy showed their experience and quality. The boys suffered from stage fright because most of them have never been to a cup final. We responded well after Galaxy scored and found the equaliser. But I think our game management was very poor after we scored. We rushed everything and Galaxy scored the second goal. It boils down to experience. We could have been calm,” he said. Tiiso also felt that his charges could have wrapped up the match in the first half. “ We were the better side in terms of chances created,” he said.
The teams
Galaxy: Goitseone Phoko, Thabo Leinenyane, Moagi Sechele, Tlamelo Kologano, Thero Setsile, Kutlwelo Mpolokang, Fortunate Thulare (Lesego Keredilwe), Daniel Msendami (Rudath), Nqobizitha Masuku, Gilbert Baruti (Doctor David)
Orapa: Keeagile Kgosipula, Mpho Kgaswane, Atamelang Kamperipa, Thato Kebue, Ratlhogo Ratlhogo, Norman Mabaya (Kelvin Bingala), Tinashe Balakashe, Gape Thibedi, Eric Ookame (Lemogang Maswena).
Jwaneng Galaxy 2 (Setsile 57th, Sesinyi 100th) Orapa United 1 (Maswena 98th)
