Motlhape Football Academy Edged Out In Penalty Shootout At Molai Jubilee

Motlhape Football Academy hosted BlackPool u13 at Molai Jubilee on 19 October 2025, with kick-off at 1:30pm in a tightly contested 11-a-side encounter. The match ended 2-2 after 70 minutes of regular time, before BlackPool u13 triumphed 4-3 in the ensuing penalty shootout. The referee, Random, officiated the game with a solid performance in front of 60 spectators.

Motlhape Football Academy lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, deploying four defenders across the backline, a single holding midfielder shielding the defence, two central midfielders tasked with linking play, and a front three expected to provide width and goal threat. The defensive quartet would have been responsible for maintaining a solid shape and repelling BlackPool’s attacks, while the lone defensive midfielder aimed to break up play and distribute effectively. The two midfielders ahead of him were expected to support both defence and attack, feeding the three forwards who sought to stretch the opposition’s defence with pace and creativity down the flanks and through the centre.

Unfortunately, no details of the starting eleven or substitutes were provided, so individual player roles beyond the formation cannot be specified. However, it is known that Mothobekhi Innocent was named Player of the Match, indicating a standout performance likely influential in both defensive and attacking phases.

The first half was a balanced affair, with both sides probing cautiously but neither able to break the deadlock by the 35th minute half-time whistle. The teams went in level at 0-0, reflecting a competitive and evenly matched contest. The referee maintained control throughout, ensuring a fair and flowing game.

In the second half, the intensity increased as Motlhape Football Academy and BlackPool u13 exchanged goals to reach a 2-2 stalemate by full time. The details of the goal scorers and exact timings are not available, but the scoreline suggests a thrilling and open encounter with both teams showing attacking intent and resilience.

With neither side able to find a winner in normal time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout to decide the victor. In a tense and nerve-wracking conclusion, BlackPool u13 edged Motlhape Football Academy 4-3 on penalties, sealing their progression at the expense of the hosts.

Mothobekhi Innocent’s influence throughout the match was recognised with the Player of the Match award, highlighting his significant contribution in what was a fiercely competitive fixture. The referee’s solid performance ensured the game was conducted in good spirit and with minimal disruption.

Overall, Motlhape Football Academy showed great character and tactical discipline in their 4-1-2-3 setup, matching BlackPool u13 blow for blow in a thrilling encounter that ultimately went down to the lottery of penalties. The narrow shootout defeat will be a tough pill to swallow, but the team’s performance at Molai Jubilee on 19 October 2025 demonstrated promise and fighting spirit.