Chiefs reach Orange FA semis amid ugly touchline scenes
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Tuesday May 12, 2026 09:20
Chiefs eventually booked their place in the semifinals after prevailing 5-3 in a tense penalty shootout, but the post-match discussions centred more on the confrontation between the two benches than the football itself.
A heated altercation involving a Chiefs coach, Miguel Torrera and a Black Lions official erupted shortly after the final whistle, forcing security personnel to intervene.
Both teams later declined to attend the post-match press conference.
On the pitch, the encounter delivered high drama from start to finish. Chiefs appeared set for a routine victory after dominating large periods of the first half and taking an early lead through Ronald Fortune.
The Kgatleng giants controlled possession and dictated the tempo, with midfielder Gilbert Baruti at the heart of their attacking play.
Baruti’s composure and passing range allowed Chiefs to repeatedly open up the Lions defence, while Fortune and his attacking partners looked threatening whenever they pushed forward.
Chiefs’ breakthrough came in the 41st minute when Fortune finished off a well-worked move to give his side a deserved advantage. However, Black Lions refused to fold and gradually worked their way back into the contest after the break.
The introduction of striker Edianaobong Akanimo at the start of the second half proved decisive as the forward immediately injected urgency and energy into the underdogs’ attack.
Akanimo troubled the Chiefs backline with his movement and physical presence, forcing goalkeeper Keeagile Kgosipula into several nervous moments. Lions began creating chances with increasing frequency, but poor decision making looked set to cost them dearly.
As the clock ticked down, Chiefs appeared destined to progress, only for Lions to strike deep into added time. In the 96th minute, Akanimo finally got his reward when his deflected effort wrong-footed Kgosipula at the near post, sparking wild celebrations among the few Black Lions supporters in the stadium.
The late equaliser sent the match to penalties, where Chiefs held their nerve to edge the shootout and secure passage into the last four.
Despite the thrilling comeback and dramatic finish, the match will likely be remembered for the ugly scenes that followed, casting a shadow over what had been a memorable return of football at the National Stadium. Magosi will face Orapa United in the semi finals scheduled to take place this coming weekend.
The teams:
Lions: Ryan Brown, Sylvester Leririma, Doctor David, Escobar Raditsebe, Ryan Moir, (Tumelo Ketshabile), Tlotlo Keipidile, Thero Bubi, (Akanimo), Collen Moteu, Mpho Kgaswane, Tumiso Tshotlego, (Kevin Bulala), Misani Thupa
Chiefs: Kgosipula, Moloi Thuto, Bryan Tafhi, (Ontlametse Selebogo), Kgosietsile Ernest, (Aitor Aldalur), Shanganani Ngada, Kutlwelo Mpolokang, Resaobaka Thatanyane, Theo Shadikong, (Monty Enosa), Evans Rusike, Gilbert Baruti, (Nahuel Melgarejo), Ronaldo Fortune
Lions 1 (Akanimo 96th) Chiefs 1 (Fortune 41st)