Durban City FC and Vasco da Gama booked their places in the Nedbank Cup Last 16, beating Chippa United and Luthuli Brigades respectively on Friday night.
Darren Keet saved three penalties as Durban City edged Chippa United 3-2 on penalties. Vasco da Gama secured their spot with a 4-1 demolition of Luthuli Brigades.
At Chatsworth Stadium, it was a tug of war between the two Betway Premiership teams, Durban City and Chippa United, whose fortunes have been contrasting so far.
Durban City got a number of chances, particularly Saziso Magawana got two clear-cut chances but he failed to hit the target. The Chilli Boys also got their chances but they couldn’t convert, with veteran goalkeeper Darren Keet proving his mettle in goal for Durban City.
They went to the half-time break goalless. However, Durban City were dominant when the second half started, winning corners, free-kicks and making some promising forays.
But they somehow lacked the killer instinct to break the deadlock. The two sides could not be separated in normal time, sending the game into extra-time. And they still needed penalties to be separated.
VASCO DA GAMA WALLOP LUTHULI BRIGAGES
At Athlone Stadium, Vasco da Gama and Luthuli Brigades started their match on fire, looking for instant impact.
Luthuli Brigades were first on the scoresheet after six minutes, courtesy of a beautiful strike from Mkhabela Ntshuxeko, whose right-footed shot from the centre of the box was powerful enough to elude goalkeeper Luther Jacobs.
Nkosenhle Myeza was the provider for the goal, which thrust them into the lead. However, the lead was short-lived as Vasco da Gama equalised on the 11th minute via TJ Diedericks.
He scored the equaliser with a powerful right-footed shot from close range, beating a diving goalkeeper Mlungisi Shongwe. They were level on scores at half-time, though, with Luthuli Brigades looking more offensive in the final stages of the first stanza.
But it was Vasco da Gama who got another goal, punishing Luthuli Brigades for their sloppy defending. Diedericks doubled their score, completing a brace on the 57th minute. Chade Roman was the provider.
Vasco da Gama were awarded a penalty on the 76th minute and Tauriq Dien converted to put the game well beyond Luthuli Brigades. They grabbed their fourth goal on the 83rd minute via Michel Phigeland from an assist by Tristan Van Der Lingen.
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