AmaZulu FC and Milford FC advanced to the Nedbank Cup round of 16 by defeating Polokwane City FC and Soweto Super United, respectively, on Tuesday night.
Both matches, the last in the Round of 32, went to extra time. At the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, AmaZulu FC started the match on the front foot and could have been leading in the first five minutes had their forwards been clinical with their chances.
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, Taariq Fielies, and Athini Maqokola took turns to waste chances that could have been easily converted. Polokwane’s Keorapetse Sebone also had a glorious chance but failed to hit the target with the goalkeeper at his mercy.
However, Usuthu finally got it right on the 10th minute, this time Fielies was clinical, burying the ball home with a header from close range. Fielies nodded the ball home into the top right corner, assisted by Sandile Mthethwa, whose delivery from a corner kick was pinpoint.
Polokwane City were reduced to ten men when Monty Batlhabane was red-carded for a crude tackle on Liam Bern. Nevertheless, they equalised on the stroke of half-time via a penalty conceded by Riaan Hanamub. Lebohang Nkaki converted the spot kick on the 45th minute.
THANDO NGWENYASCORES AMAZULU FC’S WINNING GOAL
AmaZulu could have restored their lead immediately after the penalty but Thando Ngwenya missed a sitter with a header from a delightful cross delivered by Mondli Mbanjwa. As such, they were level on scores at half-time.
After a cagey second half, extra time was needed to determine the winner. And Ngwenya delivered the sucker punch, scoring Usuthu’s second goal on the 113th minute. He was assisted by Nkosikhona Radebe. That was all they needed to book a place in the Round of 16.
MILFORD SAIL THROUGH AFTER PENALTIES
At the Dobsonville Stadium, tournament debutants Soweto Super United were determined to upset Motsepe Foundation Championship side, as shown by how they applied themselves in the opening exchanges. However, they managed to hold on for 30 minutes, until Milford opened the scoring.
Sifiso Mdluli thrust Milford FC ahead on the 31st minute mark, with a well-taken right-footed shot from the centre of the box, leaving the goalkeeper beaten.
Soweto Super United kept prodding for an equaliser, and their pressure paid dividends on the 43rd minute when Thapelo Tshilo scored. The two sides needed extra time to be separated before plunging into extra time, where Milford won 5-3.
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