Confusion Mars Rollers, GU Tie
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday February 11, 2019 13:34
In a game that was played under floodlights, the two sides dished the best of what local football can offer. It had all the ingredients of the cup semifinal derby with the emotions clearly visible from technical benches, the players and the fans alike.
Emotions rose as players on many occasions had to be separated by the match referee, Moemedi Tlhabologang as they were engaged in many tussles on the field of play.
GU came into the match trailing by two goals after losing the first leg 2-0. The Reds managed to level the aggregate score thanks to goals by Obonwe Maome and Thatayaone. At extra time, Moyagoleele’s former fan favourite, Tumisang Orebonye gave Popa the lead in 19 minutes of the extra 30 mimutes, but his goal was cancelled by Dirang Moloi’s tap in just two minutes to time making it a 3-3 aggregate score.
As the referee blew for time, the Rollers faithful thought they have progressed to their seventh Top 8 final, but had the shock of their life after it was announced that the game will proceed to a penalty shootout.
The decision did not go well with the The Blues’ officials as they protested that they have advantage due to an away goal as it always been the ‘norm’.
The match referee had seemingly blown for time but it was tournament’s organising committee who remained the officials of the tournament rules. According to the competition’s playing rules, the away goal does not apply in the extra 30 minute. According to Article 7. 2 of the rules, ‘in an event the teams are still tied at full time on the second leg the away goal shall apply. If after the application the clubs are still tied, the game shall proceed to extra time then penalty shootouts to determine the winner.’
At some point, Popa officials seemingly told the players to boycott the penalty shootouts. As emotions ran riot, words were exchanged between different camps but the decision was final, the game went into penalties. After a long penalty shootout, with 11 rounds of kicks, it was Popa’s vice captain Joel Mogorosi’s kick that hit the upright to send Moyagoleele to finals with a colossal 10-9 win on penalties.
After the game, GU coach told journalists that his side used the psychological superiority to get over their rivals while Popa coach Rodolfo Zapata shunned the media and went straight into the dressing room.
With heads lowered, the reality of ignoring the rules seemed to have caught up with Popa officials as they missed a chance to defend the cup title.