Golden Arrows are through to the MTN8 semi-finals after beating SuperSport United in a penalty shoot-out in today’s quarter-final match at the Princess Magogo Stadium.
The match had ended 2-2 after 120 minutes. Arrows won the shootout 4-3.
It was a steady start from both teams, but the first real attempt at goal only came in the minute, when in the 12th minute Bradley Grobler had a volley chance, but Sifiso Mlungwana was on hand to make a simple save.
Keenan Phillips tried a long range effort in the 23rd minute, but it was wide and never threatened Mlungwana’s goal. Arrows’ threatened from a set piece two minutes later, but Siyabonga Nhlapo made a big clearance to deny the home team a chance.
Sipho Mbule tested Mlungwana from range in the 29th minute, and once again the Arrows’ keeper was up to the task and it remained goalless.
Jamie Webber’s free kick attempt in the 43rd minute was also on target, but Mlungwana got down well to make the save, and just before the break Knox Mutizwa forced a saved from Ronwen Williams, but the Zimbabwean striker was in an off-side position.
When the half-time whistle blew, the score remained 0-0.
Grobler had a chance from an acute angle as the second half started, but Mlungwana made the save at the near post.
Arrows were awarded a penalty in the 49th minute after Teboho Mokoena tugged on Nduduzo Sibiya’s jersey in the box. Mutizwa stepped up and while Ronwen Williams got a touch, he was unable to stop him from scoring.
Five minutes later Mokoena had a good chance for SuperSport, but while on target, his shot was blocked by the Arrows defence. Williams had to be alert when in the 65th minute he had to make a save from Pule Mmodi after a defensive slip.
SuperSport though were level in the 78th minute, as substitute Gamphani Lungu drilled in the equaliser after some good build-up play.
Mokoena went close from a set piece in the 85th minute, but his shot took a slight deflection and hit the crossbar. And with the match level after 90 minutes, the game went to extra time.
It was another substitute Iqraam Rayners who put the visitors into the lead nine minutes into extra time, as he ran onto a long ball and showed composure to beat Mlungwana.
Arrows pushed hard for an equaliser, but SuperSport’s defence was resilient until two minutes to go when Michael Gumede was able to level matters and force the penalty shoot-out.
Arrows XI: Mlungwana, Mathiane, Sibisi, Dlamini, Dube, Mtshali, Sibiya, Mmodi, Cele, Ndwandwe, Mutizwa
SuperSport XI: Williams, Phillips, Bhasera, Fleurs, Nhlapo, Donn, Mokoena, Mbule, Grobler, Gabuza, Webber
