Brown's heroics send Lions to FA Cup quarterfinals

Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday April 21, 2026 09:42

Lions beat Morupule Wanderers 7-6 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time in their last-16 clash played at Royal Aria Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The result sees the club advance to the last eight in their first-ever competitive season, where they will face Mochudi Centre Chiefs.

Brown, who had come under scrutiny after a costly error in a league match against Chiefs last week, delivered a composed response when it mattered most.

The shot-stopper saved two penalties in the shootout, including the decisive effort, to seal victory for his side. The match itself produced entertaining moments despite the challenging conditions, with a waterlogged pitch disrupting fluid play.

Lions created the first real opportunity through Tlotlo Keipedile, whose effort forced a save from the Wanderers goalkeeper. At the other end, Obonwe Maome was denied by Brown on the half-hour mark.

The deadlock remained intact at halftime, with both sides struggling to assert control in difficult conditions.

Lions enjoyed a larger share of possession in the second half but were let down by poor decision-making in the final third.

The clearest chance of the match arrived in the closing stages when Ankifenwa Akanimo delivered a cross to Msani Thupa, but with only the goalkeeper to beat, Botshelo Motsheja intervened with a crucial touch to force a corner.

Wanderers introduced experienced goalkeeper Katlego Mbise and midfielder Maano Ditshupo late on as they prepared for penalties.

The tactical move yielded partial success, with Mbise saving one penalty and converting his own, while Ditshupo also found the net. However, Brown proved decisive.

He denied Wanderers with the opening penalty of the shootout and returned to make the match-winning save, capping a redemption story for the goalkeeper.

“Last game against Mochudi he made a big mistake, and today he saves two penalties. This is football and the destiny of goalkeepers, everyone sees your mistakes. But when you save two penalties, people forget quickly. This will give him confidence,” said Zivojnov.

The Teams

Lions: Ryan Brown, Letsweletse Leririma, Doctor David, Xolani Cossa, Escobar Raditsebe, Thato Mogorosi, Tlotlo Keipedile, Gape Gaogangwe, Msani Thupa, Ankifenwa Akanimo (Kelvin Bulala), Thero Bubi (Tumiso Tshotlego)

Wanderers: Thabo Masule (Katlego Mbise), Botshelo Motsheja, Ronald Tsimele, Tshepang Boithatelo, Thato Mosweunyana, Baboloki Makhura, Kelvin Ndebele, Kealeboga Oitsile (Maano Ditshupo), Julius Likontsane, Obonwe Maome (Kesobaka Ramotshwaedi), Bonang Theetso (Gaone Japane)

Lions 0 (7) Wanderers 0 (6)