Rollers Book Spot In Top 8 Final
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday March 16, 2015 13:56
The game started with both teams looking to score an early goal.
BDF XI used their speedy wingers, Kabelo Seakanyeng and Khubulani Madziba while Rollers tried to breach the Matebele defence utilising midfielder Dirang Moloi.
The first shot came in the second minute from Vincent Nzombe, but was well saved by Mwampule Masule. Rollers committed a foul in the 16th minute at the edge of the box, but Othusitse Mpharitlhe free kick went overhead.
Rollers first chance of the game came in the 25th minute when Motsholetsi Sikele laid a low cross to Maano Ditshupo who forced keeper Takudzwa Ndoro to make a double save after the first effort was pushed back into play.
The first half that was characterised by missed chances and a lot of fouls, ended with neither team finding the back of the net. Popa introduced Jerome Louis and Sekhana Koko in place of Jerome Ramatlhakwana and Motsholetsi Sikele in the early stages if the second half.
Matebele were the first to launch an attack, forcing Masule to make a couple of good saves.
In the 78th minute, Moloi picked a through ball and taking advantage of poor marking, he made no mistake with a splendid chip over advancing Ndoro, getting his first goal in Popa colours.
Matebele introduced Master Masitara in 80th minute for Lerato Mosweu.
Rollers extended their lead in the 89th minute when Louis nodded in a Moloi free kick capitalising on yet another defensive blunder.
Madziba caught the Rollers napping, pulling one back for the army boys in the additional time with low shot in the bottom corner. Rollers’ coach will be looking to win the cup he has never won before. Popa advanced to their third Top 8 final since its inception three seasons back. They have only won the competition once.
The line-ups:
Rollers: Masule, Obuile Ncenga, Otlantshekela Mooketsi, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Sikele (Koko), Majawa, Moloi, Obonye Moswate, Kobamelo Kebaikanye (Manqoba Ngwenya), Ditshupo, Ramatlhakwana (Louis)
BDF XI: Ndoro, Pelontle Lerole (Agnecious Tebagano), Mpharitlhe, Moreetsi Mosimanyana, Mompati Thuma, Thato Ogopotse, Madziba Mosha, Gaolaolwe, Nzombe, Mosweu (Lesego Lubinda), Seakanyeng (Masitara)
Cautions: Majawa, Motlhabankwe, Thuma
Rollers 2 (Moloi 78th, Louis 89th)
BDF XI 1 (Madziba (90th)