Orapa United Dump Systems Out Of Orange FA Cup
Correspondent | Monday April 29, 2019 13:08
Orapa United showed their intensions as early as the first minute from a quick counterattack. Mbatshi Elias received a through ball from the experienced Zimbabwean midfield maestro, Tendai Nyumasi and he easily scored but referee, Mooketsi Mbekwa ruled that Mbatshi was offside.
The Ostriches piled pressure on their opponents and gained control of the midfield battle as Nyumasi was on top of his game dishing sublime passes. Orapa United could have gone to the break leading by more than two goals had it not been acrobatic saves produced by Systems goalkeeper, Joseph Gojaamang. The youthful Gojaamang was always exposed by his defence, which was very slow to close down on their opponents.
United continued to pile pressure on their opponents with Kobamelo Kebaikanye and Lebogang Maswena on top of their game, playing neat passes in an attempt to break Systems’ defence. United’s constant efforts paid off in the 35th minute when Kebaikanye scored the opener. Systems defence failed to deal with a cross from Maswena.
Kebaikanye was quick to react and kicked the ball to the far post leaving Gojaamang stranded. Systems striking partnership between veteran striker, Kenanao Kgetholetsile and Ronald Chikomo did not produce the much-desired results. On numerous occasions, the duo lacked cohesion to pose any threat to the well-organised Orapa defence. The Ostriches took a 1-0 lead to the half time break.
As the second half resumed, Systems coach Daniel Nare made a double substitution in an effort to restore parity. Omphile Sebolai and Michael Pillar were replaced by Kemmy Pilato and Thapelo Tlabakwe. The introduction of Pilato stabilized the Alarm Boys midfield as the hard tackling player kept a close eye on Nyumasi. In the 55th minute the home side doubled their lead through Gofaone Mabaya. Systems failed to clear a cross and it found Mabaya unmarked just outside the 18-yard box. He unleashed a brilliant volley to the far post. The visitors managed to pull one back in the 61st minute through substitute Tlabakwe. The skilful Tlabakwe made a U-turn in the opponents 18-yard box and hit home, just underneath the cross bar. Orapa held on to their lead until the end of the game. Ostriches coach Mogomotsi Mpote was pleased with his boys’ performance. “Even though we missed numerous chances in the first half, I am pleased with the result as we have progressed to the semi-finals,” he said. Systems coach, Nare refused to field questions from this reporter.
The teams:
Orapa United: Lesenya Malapela, Kealeboga Buzwane-Molebatsi (Mpho Kgaswane), Tapiwa Nyamanjiiva, Kabo Mungabe, Mothusi Johnson, Kelapile Ndlovu, Norman Mabaya, Tendai Nyumasi(Baboloki Makhura), Kobamelo Kebaikekanye, Lebogang Maswena (Onkemetse Powe), Mbatshi Elias
Security System: Gojaamang,Omphile Sebolai(Tlabakwe), Daniel Montshiwa, Osego Gaotewe,Kaelo Kgaswane, Thato Ogopotse, Thatayaone Ramatlapeng, Michael Pillar(Pilatwe), Kenanao Kgetholetsile,Ronald Chikomo (Malvin Chipunza), Eric Molefi.
Caution: Chikomo