Ndundu Young Fighters FC headlined a dramatic weekend of Orange FA Cup action, bowing out in a tense penalty shootout against Sua Flamingoes FC after a goalless stalemate. Despite the heartbreak, Ndundu’s resilience once again underlined their growing reputation as one of the competition’s most stubborn sides, particularly following their earlier penalty triumph over Eleven Angels in the previous round.
The clash against Flamingoes proved a cagey affair, with both sides struggling to break the deadlock in regulation time. Ultimately, it was Flamingoes who held their nerve from the spot, edging the shootout 4–3. Even in defeat, Ndundu had standout performers, with Dirang Kgosiyatama earning Man of the Match honors for an industrious display that kept his side competitive throughout.
Attention now shifts to the Northern Stream teams, many of whom continue to assert themselves as genuine contenders in this year’s competition. Ferry Wanderers, who had earlier survived a penalty shootout against Sankoyo Bush Bucks, saw their run come to an end with a 2–0 defeat to Black Lions. Meanwhile, Tonota FC, who had cruised past Mahalapye United Hotspurs 3–0 in the Last 48, pushed Security Systems FC to the limit before falling 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw.
Morupule Wanderers FC were far more clinical, dispatching JJ United FC 4–1 on penalties following a goalless draw, while Tafic SC also progressed after overcoming MR Highlanders in another shootout. Elsewhere, Motlakase Power Dynamos and Calendar Stars had earlier shown their grit in the Northern Stream, navigating tight fixtures to book their places in the later rounds.
Across the rest of the league, the FA Cup delivered its trademark unpredictability. Gaborone United FC secured a hard-fought 2–1 win over Tsabong Red Lions FC, while Flamingo Santos FC edged Holy Ghost FC in a marathon penalty shootout, winning 10–9 after a 1–1 draw. Lokgwabe United FC advanced comfortably via penalties against Matebele FC, and Enesia FC stunned Gantsi Swallows FC in yet another shootout victory.
One of the standout results came from Jwaneng Young Stars, who held their nerve to eliminate Extension Gunners FC 4–3 on penalties after a goalless encounter. Security Systems FC also demonstrated composure under pressure, edging Tonota FC in their shootout battle.
The earlier South Stream fixtures had already set the tone for the competition, with Holy Ghost FC, Kanye United, Jwaneng Young Stars, and Tlokweng United FC all progressing, highlighting the nationwide depth of competition in this knockout tournament organized by the Botswana Football Association. With penalty shootouts dominating the narrative, this year’s Orange FA Cup is quickly shaping into a test of nerve as much as skill. As the field narrows, teams like Flamingoes, Morupule Wanderers, and Gaborone United are emerging as strong contenders but as Ndundu’s narrow exit shows, margins remain razor-thin in the Orange FA Cup
