Orapa United beat GU to set up Top 8 date with Rollers

Orapa United and Township Rollers will meet in the Mascom Top 8 final for the second time in three years after the Ostritches eased 4-1 past a hapless Gaborone United in the second semi final played this Saturday evening at the National Stadium.

Rollers on the other hand reached the final on the away goal rule advantage after they drew 1-1 with Jwaneng Galaxy on Friday night at the same venue. The two had drawn 2-2 in the first leg played in Lobatse, ending the contest with a 3-all draw that sees Rollers go through since they scored more goals away from home. Many had hoped for a dream Gaborone derby in the final of the seventh edition of the tournament but obviously Orapa United had other ideas. Fresh from a 1-0 first leg victory at home a week ago, Orapa only needed a draw to gain passage to the final, but they made sure of the progression by putting fout goals past GU's goal minder Goitseone Semelamela.

When in the 31st minute Kabelo Seakanyeng converted a penalty for GU, there was hope for a tough contest, but Tendai Nyumasi's equaliser 8 minutes later dampened the spirits of the Gaborone lads who to win had to then score two more goals with Orapa not responding. But it was never to be as Onkabetse Makgantai scored a second for the Ostritches in the 50th minute. GU were surely left with a mountain to climb and their body language after that goal told a story of a team that had given up on making a comeback. 

Things became even more easier for Daniel Nare's charges as they utilised the wings with telling effect to punish GU, with Kobamelo Kebaikanye scoring a coffin-nailing brace in the 80th and 88th minute to win the match 4-1. GU coach Rudolf Zapata praised Orapa for playing a great game, saying the Ostritches deserved the win. Nare on the other side said he was surprised at the ease with which they beat GU, saying he had only expected a one-goal gap scoreline.

Orapa's win means they are making it to the final for the third consecutive year having won it in 2015 against Rollers, then losing it in the 2016 final to Jwaneng Galaxy. Both sides, Rollers and Orapa, will be looking to win the cup for the second time. Gaborone United are the only side to have won the competition twice with Rollers having reached five finals. The final is set for later this month on February 24 at a venue to be confirmed - either the national stadium or the Francistown Sport Complex.