A seven-goal thriller at Chatsworth Stadium saw Sekhukhune United edge AmaZulu 4-3 on Sunday afternoon to advance to the MTN8 semi-finals.
Both teams were making back-to-back appearances in the competition. Last season, AmaZulu’s campaign ended in the first round, while Babina Noko progressed to the semi-finals before being eliminated by Stellenbosch.
- ALSO READ: Kaze Can Do For Us What He Did For Chiefs – Cardoso
- Cardoso On One Of ‘Easiest Trophies’ They Can Win In 26/27
The match got off to a slow and cautious start, with neither side willing to take too many risks. AmaZulu came close to breaking the deadlock when Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya found himself with a clear-cut opportunity, but he fired his effort over the crossbar.
Ngwenya made amends a few minutes later, capitalising on a failure by the visitors to clear their lines before calmly slotting the ball home to give his side the lead.
The home side continued to push forward in search of a second goal, but Sekhukhune remained organised defensively and kept them at bay. Although Cedric Kaze’s charges enjoyed more possession towards the end of the first half, they struggled to turn it into meaningful attacking opportunities.
Sekhukhune, however, found a way back into the game just minutes before the break when Tshepo Mokoena unleashed a powerful effort from outside the box, beating Wilfried Kouassi to level the scores. The teams went into the interval with the match finely poised at 1-1.
The opening stages of the second half produced a thrilling spell of football, with four goals scored in just eight minutes. Sekhukhune struck twice in quick succession through Givemore Khupe and Ngoanamello Rammala to take a commanding 3-1 lead.
AmaZulu responded almost immediately, with Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya finding the back of the net for his second goal of the match. Just four minutes later, Taariq Fielies completed the comeback by scoring the equaliser. The KZN side continued to push forward in search of the lead, creating more opportunities as they looked to get back in front.
After the teams could not be separated at 3-3 following 90 minutes, the match went into extra-time, where Sekhukhune regained the lead through Vuyo Letlapa in the first 15 minutes. Usuthu made several attempts to fight back but failed to find the net again, as the visitors secured their place in the next round.
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.