Mannathoko in dramatic Coke Cup win
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Thursday August 7, 2014 13:21
The shootout followed an exciting 2-2 draw in normal time.
Mannathoko took the lead twice in the game before Morama hit back to level matters.
During the penalties, Mannathoko missed the first two spot kicks and Morama seemed to be in cruise control.
Just when they were expected to wrap up the match, they missed the last two kicks and Mannathoko equalised.
It was then that the penalty shootout went into sudden death and the drama ensued.
Mannathoko scored their first kick and Morama missed, handing the trophy to Mannathoko.
“It was a close game and both sides were disciplined.
“You can see that all the four goals in normal time were scored from set pieces,” a relieved Mannathoko coach, Thatayaone Ramogale told Mmegi Sport afterwards.
He attributed his team’s success to a never-die-attitude and brought to mind “a tough journey right from the group stages.
“We had outstanding teams like Letsopa, Kwenasereto and Tashata that I think one of them could have still won the cup had they reached the final.
“Both Letsopa and Kwenasereto are very technical while Tashata is very good on power play but we managed to survive that group,” he said.
Despite going down when it had initially looked like they were about to win the title, Morama coach, Phalalo Nketsang took it all in his stride.
He said he was satisfied with his side’s performance and achievement.
“Penalties can go either way. I cannot complain because my boys did very well.
“Last year we could only make it to the zonals, but this time we reached the finals,” he said.
He was optimistic that they can win it next year since the bulk of the team is still in Form One.
In the girls’ Under-15 category, Ntebogang CJSS of Serowe defeated Mmanaana of Moshupa 3-2 in the final played on the same day.
Ledumadumane CJSS boys’ Under-17 team took the title after beating Mokgalo CJSS 2-1 in yet another exciting and dramatic final.
The game went into half time goalless, but Ledumadumane scored after the break.
With just under five minutes left before the end of the game, Mokgalo equalised and the game looked set to go to penalties.
A costly blunder right at the death by Mokgalo goalkeeper awarded Ledumadumane a goal, which handed them the cup.
Sesholo CJSS won the girls’ Under-15 final after overcoming Radisele 2-1.
“This was sweet revenge for us. For the past two years we were not able to reach the nationals because of Radisele CJSS.
“To beat them in the final is nothing, but sweet revenge for us,” coach Ndiyapo Modimo said contentedly.
He said the fact that his team only managed to concede four goals in the finals says a lot about the talent he has at his disposal.
“Some of these players will go far. Already five of them have been picked and will be part of the team that will represent Botswana at the COSASSA Games,” said Modimo.
Previously, there were no age groups, with each school represented by one team.
But with the arrival of sponsor, Coca Cola the Under-15 and Under-17 categories were introduced.
Coca-Cola previously sponsored the national FA Cup, popularly known as Coca-Cola Cup.