Matabele rise at The Nest to send Galaxy into orbit
There was delight in the dust for Matebele FC on Saturday, as the Division One South side executed a giant-killing of galactic proportions.
Having held Jwaneng Galaxy to a goalless draw over 90 minutes, the lower league outfit then held their nerve from the spot.
Sending their fans home happy and Galaxy crashing out the cup, Matebele triumphed 3-1 in the penalty shootout, continuing their incredible Orange run and securing a semi-final birth.
The adventure started with a 5-1 walloping of minnows, Maruapula Hungry Leopards. Premier League opposition came calling next, as Matebele unlocked Prisons defence to escape with a 1-0 win.
In the last 16, they came against a Tafic side high on confidence after disposing of Notwane in the previous round.
While the rain saved the Reds first time round, the game abandoned midway through the second-half with Matebele leading 1-0, there was nowhere for Matjimenyenga to hide in the rearranged fixture and they were ruthlessly cast aside 3-0.
The Eagles then pulled off the shock of the tournament so far, rising at The Nest to stun Galaxy and progress to the last four, where BDF XI, Gaborone United or Security Systems lie in wait as does a guaranteed P150,000 pay-day should the journey end there.
They were well worth their win, too, dominating the defending Premier League Champions for large periods.
Building on their cup heroics, the Kgatleng outfit continued their promotion push on Tuesday, coming from a goal down to beat Mochudi Rovers 2-1.
The comeback was all the more impressive considering they were down to 10 men in the 15th minute, their keeper sent off for handling outside the area.
One point adrift of both Mochudi Centre Chiefs and URI Black Forest in the battle for the play-off place, with four fixtures left, Matebele return to The Nest on Saturday, where they host league leaders, Holy Ghost.
Having banished a giant, they now look to exorcise a spirit!