Midway through the second half, the game was stopped for a while because of the rain. Two extra-time goals ensured the Ostriches secure a semi-final spot. The game started with both teams’ defences compact to avoid conceding an early goal. The Ostriches piled pressure on Gunners as the match went on but missed two chances in a space of two minutes, with Mandlaenkosi Sibanda’s shot going wide and Patrick Lenyeletse hitting the upright. Lenyeletse broke the deadlock in the 38th, heading home a cross from Lemogang Maswena. Gunners were awarded a penalty after Tshegofatso Chimuku was fouled in the box and Moemedi Moatlhaping made no mistake from the spot, sending the keeper the wrong way to level matters in the 53rd minute. The momentum of the game went down after the rain delay and neither team was able to net the winner in regulation time. Eleven minutes into extra time Ronald Chikomo rose high to head a cross from Kealeboga Molebatsi to put his team ahead. Katlego Mothibi tried to play a back pass to his keeper, but Maswena pounced to slot home and double his team’s lead in 20th minute of extra time.
Orapa United coach, Madinda Ndlovu was impressed with his players who were on national duty in the past week. “I got nothing to prove to anyone, the records talk for themselves. It is not about me winning the cup, it’s about competing. I’m competing with other good coaches, “ he said.
