Rollers squeeze Through
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday November 23, 2015 10:34
Police XI won 1-0 courtesy of Katlego Masole’s goal in the first half. The goal came through a penalty which was awarded after Rollers’ defender, Simisane Mathumo was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box in the seventh minute.
Rollers left back, Kaone Van Der Westhuizen missed a chance to draw level with his header going over the bar moments later. Rollers missed two other chances in a space of two minutes with Carl Finnigan and Segolame Boy’s shots going over the bar.
The teams went into recess with Police XI leading 1-0. In the second half, Rollers enjoyed a lion’s share of ball possession with Police sitting back for the first 20 minutes of the second half.
Ishmael Amponsah beat two defenders, but his shot went wide in the 67th minute. With only two minutes after coming on for Boy, Jerome Ramatlhakwane tried Bokamoso Moeba with a long range shot but the latter saved with ease. With 15 minutes to time the game opened up with both teams playing attacking football but they both missed a lot of chances. Rollers now joined Orapa United and BDF XI in the semi finals with Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Gilport Lions playing the last quarterfinal match tonight.
Police XI’s assistant coach, Maitumelo ‘Junior’ Letlamoreng said the first leg loss was the reason they crashed out of the competition. “The goals we conceded in the first leg really cost us. The intention was to get an early goal and to guard against concentration loss. We had numerous chances and we could have won the game,” he said. Rollers coach, Mark Harrison said his team’s display on the day was not up to par. “We lacked the desire and passion to win the game. I could have picked any eleven and I think they would have had the same mentality,” he said.
The line-ups:
Police XI: Bokamoso Moeba, Katlego Masole, Otlaadisa Manyika, Dikgakgamatso Kesolofetse, Poloko Khole, Louis Minjale, Tapiwa Gadibolae, Joseph Joseph, Ishmael Amposah, Phenyo ‘Sghubu’ Molefe (Ogomoditse Sitang), Betsho Pius
Rollers: Noah Maposa, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Mogogi Gabonamong, Simisani Mathumo, Kaone Van der Westhuizen, Lawrence Majawa, Maano Ditshupo, Segolame Boy (Jerome Ramatlhakwane), Edwin Moalosi(Gofaone Tiro), Motsholetsi Sikele (Sekhana Koko), Carl Finnigan
Caution: Minjale