GU, Rollers put noses ahead in Top 8 semis
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday February 24, 2015 18:00
In the first leg of the semi finals, both teams won their encounters 2-1 ahead of the reverse fixtures in March.
The Sunday fixture between Rollers and BDF XI saw the return of attacker Ofentse Mmipi and goalkeeper Noah Maposa.
Mmipi, who has been out for a long time due to injury, replaced Bonolo Phuduhudu in the second half of their encounter with Rollers, while Maposa was in the starting 11.
The former Zebras’ shot-stopper, who has returned from South-Africa after a short stint with United FC, put on a good performance against the army side.
Mmipi also showed touches of brilliance, but match fitness seemed to be a factor. Dirang Moloi featured after he lost his mother during the week.
On Saturday, strikers Onkabetse Makgantai and Benson Shilongo continued their good scoring form, as both netted for their clubs Nico and GU respectively.
The young Makgantai, who has been used sparingly by Wesley Mondo, once again came from the bench and scored a beauty.
Benson Shilongo netted Moyagoleele’s second goal for the afternoon. Makgantai’s goal gave the Selebi-Phikwe side an important away goal.
Now, Majombolo will have a home advantage in the return league and will need to keep a clean sheet and score a goal in the second leg.
A goalless draw would be enough to catapult GU to the finals where they will meet either Rollers or BDF XI.
After failing to make use of the home ground advantage, BDF XI have a mammoth task to overthrow Rollers lead.
The army side needs to score at least two goals without conceeding in order to advance to the final.
The second leg of Mascom Top 8 semi finals will be played on the weekend of March 14-15 at the Sam Sono Stadium and National Stadium respectively.
No team has won the competition twice. The previous winners Rollers, GU and BDFXI will look to clinch the cup for the second time and make history.