In the opening minutes, Young Strikers who were recently promoted to the Southern First Division, looked comfortable on the ball.
Satmos were let down by lack of composure in front of goal to the frustration of their supporters who expected the side to brush aside their opponents with ease. The Cheetahs managed to break the deadlock in the 23rd minute through Phatshimo Gabatshwane.
He easily converted a low cross from Oteng Oganne who had outpaced his marker. Two minutes later, Gabatshwane’s effort was ruled offside by the referee. Satmos kept on piling pressure but luck deserted them. China Mading’s side could not capitalise on suspect goalkeeping by Strikers’ Obuse Boko. The Young Strikers goalkeeper never settled in the game and fumbled with easy balls.
After the break, Satmos kept piling pressure in a bid to stretch their lead. In the 56th minute, Gabatshwane was unfortunate not to grab a second when his effort went wide. This was after he looped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper. Satmos increased the score line in the 63rd minute through inspirational midfielder Botlhe Bolofete. He beat the offside trap and ran on a long ball from the midfield which he looped over the keeper. A minute later, Satmos were reduced to ten men when Cedrick Keorapetse was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Satmos sealed victory when Kgosietsile Jacob scored from a free kick outside the box. Bolofete was voted man of the match and walked away with a small trophy and P250 cheque.
In Francistown, the fairy tale continued when Ecco City Green narrowly beat Extension Gunners 1-0. The only goal of the game was scored by substitute Cisco Kgamane in the second half. Ecco City will now meet FC Satmos this weekend.
At the Selebi-Phikwe stadium, Nico United who have been nicknamed “the Real Madrid of Botswana” were beaten 3-1 by the visiting Notwane. Maano Mbaakanyi’s goal and Jones Kwape’s brace was enough to send Toronto into the quarterfinals. Notwane will meet Tasc who scraped through with a 1-0 victory over Orapa Wanderers at the DH Moore stadium. Tasc scored through Ramateke Ramosoka.
