Orapa United and BDF XI will clash again in a high stakes Mascom Top 8 semifinal second leg in three weeks time, after playing to a one all draw at Itekeng Stadium this past Saturday.
While Orapa are known to be stubborn when playing home and were touted as favorites to win the first leg, they had to rally back to survive an early scare from a determined ‘Matebele.’ Four minutes into the game, Orapa United keeper Mosimanegape Robert had to be on high alert to save a thunderous attempt from BDF XI marksman Patrick Kaunda. He however couldn’t do much a minute later as the striker slotted one past him to earn BDF XI an early lead. Orapa should have been at least two goals down at the end of the first half when Takunda Sadiki lobbed Robert. But the Orapa United defence was alert to clean up and ensure the Ostriches went to recess just a single goal behind.
The Ostriches came back from recess a much determined side and they pulled level within a minute of the second half as Ronald Chikomo netted past BDF XI keeper Mwampule Masule. Though both teams’ technical benches made a raft of changes in the second half, the goal proved to be the only one of the half as both teams settled for a draw.
“This is a game which had pros and cons. It is 1 ÔÇô 1 and the game is over. This is Mascom Top 8 and it is about calculations, it is about who wants to win more than the other,” said Orapa United coach Madinda Ndlovu, after seeing his team rattled by BDF XI at home in what was a game of two halves.
“BDF IX had chances where they could have scored two goals to wrap it up, they did not. If I get two chances to score two goals, I am there.”
Ndlovu further expressed confidence that his team will progress to the finals during the second leg.
“My team is capable of scoring more than one goal. Of that, I am confident,” the Orapa gaffer said.
For his part, BDF XI coach, Beston Chambeshi said he was happy with the result, adding that the away goal will come in handy during the second leg encounter.
“But we will no doubt have to fight harder to progress. An away goal counts a lot and we can’t deny that we are happy, but we cannot sit on that. We have to go and fight so that we finish off the game in the next leg,” said Chambeshi.
Lineups
Orapa United: Robert, Kealeboga Molebatsi, Patrick Motsepe, Lesenya Ramoraka, Thabang Mosige, Olekantse Mambo, Mgcini Sibanda, Mandlenkosi Sibanda (Tumelo Mazebedi), Patrick Lenyeletse, Lemogang Maswena (Onkabetse Makgantai), Chikomo (Thabang Sesinyi)
BDF XI: Masule, Pelontle Lerole, Othusitse Mpharitlhe, Keolopile Molemi, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Bitwell Phiri, Keeagile Kobe (Phenyo Mongala), Bonolo Phuduhudu (Abi Ramodiane), Kaunda (Obonye Marope), Sadiki, Kumbulani Madziba
