GU keep double dream alive

Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday May 12, 2026 09:17

The Reds kept won the game marginally and kept hope alive for a historic league and cup double with a dramatic Orange FA Cup quarterfinal victory on Saturday.

GU needed penalties to edge fierce rivals Rollers 5-4 after a pulsating 2-2 draw at the National Stadium, booking a semifinal clash against Orapa United and moving two matches away from lifting the Orange FA Cup.

But Connor made it clear afterwards that his side remains far from satisfied despite staying on course for silverware on two fronts.

“Keeping these boys grounded is easy because we didn’t play the way we wanted to play today,” Connor said.

For long periods, particularly in the first half, GU looked second best against a Rollers side transformed under Norwegian coach, Tor Thodesen.

“They were far, far, far better than us in the first half. They exploited both wings really well and I thought my players panicked a bit,' Connor admitted.

Despite struggling early, GU struck first on the 13th minute when captain Lebogang Ditsile calmly converted from the penalty spot after sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

The Reds should have doubled their advantage on the 36th minute when on-loan striker Godfrey Tauyatswala failed to punish his parent club after hesitating inside the box before seeing his effort saved.

That miss handed Rollers a route back into the game. Five minutes later, Marcel Papama rifled home a brilliant half-volley to level matters before halftime.

The second half turned into a full-blooded derby battle. Ditsile thought he had restored GU’s lead on the hour mark only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. Moments later, Papama rattled the crossbar with a thunderous strike from distance as Rollers tightened their grip on the contest.

Then came the moment that nearly broke GU hearts. On the 73rd minute, Rollers winger Thapelo Balatlheng unleashed a stunning long-range rocket into the top corner to put Popa ahead and seemingly on course for the semifinals. Facing elimination, Connor reshuffled his side and opted for a more physical attacking approach.

“At that stage, we put more physical players up front and looked for desire from the team to get something out of the game,” he said.

GU’s persistence paid off in dramatic fashion deep into stoppage time when substitute Lethabo Ogotseng rose highest to head home the equaliser on the second of the four added minutes and send the derby to penalties.

The shootout remained flawless until Rollers fullback Utlwanang Ramakgathi saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Thabo Motswagole, sparking wild celebrations among the GU faithful.

Connor, however, was quick to warn against complacency as pressure continues mounting on a side now expected to deliver silverware.

“They were fighting for pride,” Connor said of Rollers. “They have a new coach, new shape, new organisation and they work really, really hard.”

The victory keeps GU firmly on course for what could become one of the club’s most memorable seasons in recent years.

The Reds will face Orapa United in the semifinals to be played this Saturday at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium. In the other semifinal, Mochudi Centre Chiefs take on holders Jwaneng Galaxy.

The Teams

GU: Thabo Motswagole, Alphord Velaphi, Ivan Kamberipa, Tatenda Gora, Mothusi Johnson (Lethabo Ogotseng), Lebogang Ditsile, Karabo Phiri (Kamogelo Moloi), Mpho Kgaswane (Thabo Maponda), Ambrosius Amseb, Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Godfrey Tauyatswala (Omphile Ramoagi)

Rollers: Karamelo Kgosipula, Lemogang Maswena, Simisane Mathumo, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Utlwanang Ramakgathi, Omphile Vissagie, Marcel Papama, Phillip Kaku (Lehlohonolo Fothoane), Thapelo Balatlheng (Kago Monyake), Kago Sesinyi, Thatayaone Ramatlapeng (Bapaletswe Simon)

GU 2 (5) (Ditsile pen 13th, Ogotseng 90+2) Rollers 2 (4) (Papama 41st, Balatlheng 73rd)