Amazulu grind out an extra-time win
Amazulu are safely into the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup, but they were made to work every minute of it during a tense 2-1 extra-time victory over Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Usuthu struck early when Taariq Fielies rose at the back post to head home in the 10th minute. It looked like the perfect start for a side hoping to build confidence in cup competition, but the match tightened dramatically soon after.
Polokwane’s plans were thrown off course just after the half-hour mark when Monty Batlhabane was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Liam Bern. Even with ten men, Rise and Shine refused to fold, and their resilience paid off on the stroke of halftime when Thabang Matuludi won a penalty. Lebohang Nkaki stepped up and coolly sent Darren Johnson the wrong way to level the match.
The second half was a grind for Amazulu, who struggled to break down a determined Polokwane defence. But in the final moments of extra-time, Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya finally delivered the winner, securing a hard-earned passage into the next round.
It was a reminder of how unpredictable the Nedbank Cup can be, especially away from home in tight knockout fixtures.
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Milford survive a scare against Soweto Super United
Over in Dobsonville, Milford FC endured their own rollercoaster as they edged Soweto Super United 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Milford were expected to handle the lower-division side comfortably, and things seemed to be heading that way when Sifiso Mdluli struck early. But cup football rarely sticks to the script, and Soweto Super United hit back before halftime through Thapelo Tshilo, setting up a tense second half.
Neither team could find the winner in regulation time, and penalties became the decider. Milford held their composure, slotting in four of their spot kicks to book their last-16 place.
Their win keeps the NFD side’s cup dream alive, highlighting once again why the Nedbank Cup remains one of the most loved competitions in South African football. It consistently brings surprises, gutsy underdog moments and tight finishes that captivate fans across the country.
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Source: SABC Sport
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