Pretoria Callies are through to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals after winning a penalty shootout 5-4 against Cape Town All Stars at the DC Stadium in Stellenbosch on Sunday afternoon. The match had ended 2-2 after 120 minutes of football.
Cape Town All Stars (4)2-2(5)P Pretoria Callies
It was almost the hosts who took an early lead, but Callies goalkeeper Itumeleng Lesu pulled off two good saves in succession to keep the score level. First he saved Thabo Mokhele’s header, before pulling off a diving save to deny Neo Mphuthi.
Lesu was back in action in the 16th minute, when he saved Ronaldo Maarman’s attempt from a free kick.
All Stars took the lead in the 33rd minute through a great counter attack, released Waseem Isaacs who raced towards goal, rounded the approaching Lesu, and put the ball in the back of the net.
Kyle Peters came to All Stars’ rescue in the 40th minute as he made a fantastic save to deny Atusaye Nyondo’s headed effort at goal.
Just before halftime it was Lesu who made another good save, saving Colin Ryan’s powerful effort from outside the area.
Some desperate defending from Callies just on the hour mark kept out a flurry of shots from All Stars players, as the home team looked to extend their lead.
Pogiso Mahlangu levelled matters for Callies in the 68th minute, heading in powerfully, giving Peters no chance.
But it was short-lived as All Stars grabbed the lead two minutes later as Pule Maraisane headed in smartly from a Maarman free kick.
Edwin Sitayitayi levelled matters again for Callies in the 89th minute, as he got onto the end of a long throw from Thabo Moloi and poked it past Peters.
With the score level after 90 minutes, the match went into extra time.
Sitayitayi almost scored again two minutes into extra time, but his effort from outside the area struck the woodwork.
Just before halftime in extra-time, Callies hit the woodwork again, this time it was a long range effort from Njabulo Buthelezi.
With 10 minutes to go Aupa Moeketsi was sent off for a tackle on Dillon Solomons, and Callies were reduced to ten men.
But in the end it was penalties that would decide who would advance to the last four.
