Nedbank Cup lives up to giant-killer reputation as SuperSport are dumped out
SuperSport United became the first big casualty in the Nedbank Cup after suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Gauteng ABC Motsepe League outfit Dondol Stars in the first round.
The Nedbank Cup, known for its giant-killing upsets by minnows, saw third-tier league side, Dondol come from behind to dump out SuperSport at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday night.
Second-half goals from Relebogile Molefe and Kholofelo Monama resulted in Dondol booking a spot in the last 16, leaving Gavin Hunt in shock.
The showpiece got off to a cagey start in the first five minutes of the showdown, as both sides struggled to find any real momentum.
HOW SUPERSPORT UNITED OPENED THE SCORING
However, things took another turn as Matsatsantsa broke the deadlock through captain Siyabonga Nhlapo with a header in the 18th minutes from a corner.
As the half progressed, chances began to be few and far between from the two teams.
And the clock ticked towards the break; it was end-to-end stuff as both teams were knocking at each other’s goals.
The half-time whistle blew with a 1-0 scoreline in favour of SuperSport.
A sensational second stanza, saw the visitors find an equaliser in the 51st minute of the match courtesy of Relebogile Molefe.
Despite the South African football second-tier club scoring an equaliser, the home side never slowed down as they aimed to add to the scoreline.
DONDOL STARS CAUSE UPSET FOR SUPERSPORT UNITED
Nevertheless, the unfazed Dondol were the ones who added to the scoreline, thanks to Kholofelo Monama’s goal.
SuperSport tried so hard to come back into the game by attempting to expose the amateur side’s weaknesses but luck was just not on their side.
Gavin Hunt’s troops never recovered from that point till the final minute.
As a result, Dondol will face progress to the tournament’s last 16.
Meanwhile, in the other result, Sekhukhune United humiliated SAB League side Liver Brothers by a 6-0 scoreline at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
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