Green Birds' Giants killing spree ends

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Monday June 25, 2012 00:00

 

Molapo Green Birds' giants killing spree in the Coca-Cola Cup came to an end yesterday following their 3-1 loss to Gaborone United (GU) at Molepolole Sports Complex. Green Birds have been the only lower division side remaining in the competition.

Having defeated other Premier League sides, Nico United and Notwane, all eyes were on GU to see how they fare against the lower division side from Mmopane. GU however, passed the test with flying colours and proceeded to the last four of the competition, joining Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Township Rollers and BDF XI. GU caretaker coach, Philemon Makhwengwe started with Pako Moloi upfront, with both Ronald Chikomo and Makundika Sakala sitting on the bench. The former Notwane striker repaid Makhwengwe's faith in him by scoring GU's first goal in the opening half. His goal separated the two sides at half time.

In the second half, GU pressed forward in search of the second goal. They made an early substitution, removing Tshepo Molefe and replacing him with speedy winger, Kgololo Leteane as early as the 47th minute. In the 55th minute, Green Birds defender, Emmanuel Mhaladi scored an own goal, tapping in a dangerous cross by GU midfielder, Bakang Moeng as he tried to clear it off danger. But Green Birds pulled one goal back a minute later through Kitso Maraganyane. After the goal, the game looked evenly matched in midfield, but it was GU substitute, Leteane who looked more dangerous when pushing forward. Just few minutes into the game, Leteane unleashed a powerful shot that slightly went over the cross bar. He scored GU's third goal in the 73rd minute, tapping in from a beautiful cross by another substitute, Chikomo. Chikomo replaced Moeng in the 59th minute.

In the other Coca-Cola Cup quarterfinal match played yesterday, BDF XI defeated Uniao Flamengo Santos 4-3 in penalty shootout.  The two sides had played to a 1-1 draw in the normal time. The draw for the semi-finals is expected to be held this Wednesday. 

The line-ups:GU: Noah Maposa, Gaopatwe Seosenyeng, Musa Ohilwe, Gobonyeone Selefa, Tumisang Sekanonyane, Ofentse Nato, Alphonse Modisaotsile, Bakang Moeng (Chikomo 49), Thebe Maiketso, Tshepo Molefe (Leteane 47), Pako Moloi (Stephen Maposa 79)

Green Birds:  Keletso Chalashika, Emmanuel Mhaladi, Tshoganetso Megale, Otsile Malope, Tsholofelo Mmopi, Kagelelo Ikgopoleng, Christopher Mholo, Kitso Maraganyane (Tebogo Odumetse 66), Tebogo Mapugwi, Otsile TlhofaetsiCautions: Musa Ohilwe, Tshoganetso Megale