09 Mar 2025

At least four FNB  Premiership teams will not be in the draw for the round of 16 for the much fancied Orange FA Cup ties after being eliminated from the competition yesterday.

Log leaders Township Rollers were the first to bite the dust after being dumped out of the last 32 round by their hoodoo opponents Orapa United at the Itekeng Stadium in Orapa. A well taken strike outside the box by in form attacking midfielder Mogakolodi ‘Tsotso’Ngele was not enough to see Mapalastina march past the Ostriches for qualification into the next round of matches.

Ngele’s goal on the stroke of half time was cancelled out by second half strikes from Ernest Ngwaga and Eric Ookame to set a date for the last 16 round for the home side.

In the major upset of the FA cup weekend ties, Gaborone United (GU) got a rude awakening in their own back yard after succumbing to injuries inflicted by underdogs and First Division South League outfit Holy Ghost. The FA cup is famed for producing thrilling giant killing and memorable upsets and the GU and Holy Ghost tie captured the real essence of the underdog eats giant when the titans fell after losing 3-4 on penalties.

Another first division outfit Notwane fondly known as Ma-Cat defied the odds by holding high riding Morupule Wanderers 0-0 in regulation time of the closely contested tie. Drama continued into the penalty shootout when the home side stepped up to put four past Morupule’s one spot kick to book a place into the last 16 and sparking wild celebrations at the SSG ground, which has turned into a slaughter house for Ma Cat.

Second placed TAFIC FC travelled all the way from Francistown to be handed a humbling exit from the competition at the hands of the unfancied Union Flamingo Santos at the Gabane United ground. It was a dramatic shift in fortunes for the Matjimenyenga Boys who had had a bumper of a season in the top tier league campaign.

On form attacking midfielder Kazadi Kalombo struck first, riffling a loose deflection into the top corner with Mike Masule well beaten. Santos skipper Arnold Mampori responded with a penalty awarded to the home side just after the break sending Anthony Basupang the wrong way.

The second half produced no goals until the penalties decided the winner between the two in a highly charged tie played before a pleasing crowd. Santos advanced on 3-2. ENDS