Orlando Pirates, Cape Town City, AmaZulu and JDR Stars all reached the last 16, while the GladAfrica Championship side TS Sporting upset DStv Premiership team TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup.
The highlight of the day was a hat trick by Tashreeq Morris in Cape Town City’s 4-0 win over Bloemfontein Celtic.
Orlando Pirates 1-0 Uthongathi
Pirates beat a plucky Uthongathi side 1-0 on Saturday afternoon to reach the last 16.
Pirates dominated the first half against their GladAfrica opponents but Xolani Ngcobo’s goal was never really threatened in the first half, and it was goalless at the break.
Khethukuthula Ndlovu had a great chance for Uthongathi on the hour mark, but attempt went across the face of the goals and out.
A minute later Gabadinho Mhango gave Pirates the lead, making no mistake after being set up by Deon Hotto.
Thabang Monare hit the woodwork in stoppage time, with a great chance from long range, but in the end Mhango’s goal was enough.
JDR Stars 2-1 (AET) AmaTuks
JDR Stars reached the last 16 as the beat neighbours AmaTuks 2-1 after extra time.
Train Mokhabi gave the hosts the lead around the hour mark.
JDR looking to be heading to a win in regulation time until substitute Tebogo Mohlamonyane grabbed the equaliser to force extra time.
With time running out Innocent Nemukondeni gave the home team the lead again, and it was enough for JDR to win the Tshwane derby.
TS Galaxy 0(4)-0(5)P TS Sporting
TS Galaxy became the first top flight side to lose to a GladAfrica team as they lost 5-4 on penalties to TS Sporting.
Neither team were able to find a winner in 90 minutes and the match went to extra time.
And the lack of goals continued as they still could not be separated after 120 minutes.
Abram Ngcobo became the hero for Sporting as he saved Mlungisi Mbunjana’s penalty, and with all other regulation penalties converted, they won the shootout 5-4.
Golden Arrows 1(4)-1(5)P AmaZulu
Penalties decided the KZN derby between Arrows as it ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, AmaZulu winning 5-4 in the end.
Arrows took the lead in the 14th minute, Michael Gumede finishing from close range.
It was a competitive first 45 minutes and Arrows deservedly led the game at the break.
Arrows continued to have the better of the games, but as it drew to a close, Usuthu began to create more chances.
Just when it looked like Arrows were going take the result, Lehlohonolo Majoro found the equaliser, after being set up by Luvoyo Memela in stoppage time.
Extra time followed but neither team could find the winner. Ntsako Makhubela was sent off just before the final whistle. Penalties followed.
Danny Phiri’s spot kick hit the woodwork, and AmaZulu won 5-4
Cape Town City 4-0 Bloemfontein Celtic
Tashreeq Morris scored a hat trick as City advanced 4-0 at Celtic’s expense.
Mdu Mdantsane came close in just the fourth minute, but after making a excellent run into the box, his first-time shot flew over the goal.
An early error from Craig Martin almost caused blushes, but fortunately his attempted clearance hit his own goal’s woodwork.
While City controlled the possession, there weren’t more clear cut chances in the first half, as the teams struggled to make progress in the final third.
Tashreeq Morris put City in the lead in the 59th minute, a neat finish to Craig Martin’s cross to beat Mondli Mpoto.
Peter Leeuwenburgh made a terrific save from a Celtic free kick in the 67th minute to keep City in the lead.
Moments later Morris made it two for himself and City, heading in Fagrie Lakay’s corner.
Morris turned provider in the 73rd minute, setting up Thabo Nodada who finished beautifully.
And just before full time, Morris completed his hat trick, set up by Mdantsane, and he curled it into the bottom corner.
Already qualified for the last 16: Polokwane City, Mamelodi Sundowns,Cape Town All Stars, TTM, Pretoria Callies, Maritzburg United
