BAROKA STUN SUNDOWNS TO REACH TELKOM KNOCKOUT SEMIS
Baroka FC claimed a stunning 2-0 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in a Telkom Knockout quarterfinal at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Bakgaga became the first team to move into the 2018 edition’s semifinals thanks to a resilient defensive performance – and a couple of slices of luck at the other end of the field – but they were good value for this upset victory against a Brazilians side which never got out of second gear.
Sundowns dominated possession and created more chances from the early stages, but they had to wait until the 19th minute to call Baroka goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze into serious action, as he sprung to his right to claim an attempted lob from Gaston Sirino.
Yet it was Baroka who claimed the lead midway through the first half: Mosa Lebusa was somewhat harshly penalised for a hand-ball in the 18-yard area and midfielder Mduduzi Mdantsane converted from the spot to make it 1-0 in the 22nd minute.
Sundowns looked to get back on level terms through the remainder of the first half, but struggled to find their attacking rhythm. In fact the best chance for another goal arrived a few minutes before the break from a Baroka corner kick, with an unmarked Tebogo Sodi heading wide of the far stick.
Sundowns made their first change on the hour mark and looked to boost their attack with the introduction of Jeremy Brockie in place of Toni Silva, but eight minutes later they were down 2-0 in the most unfortunate circumstances.
Baroka’s first substitute, Matome Kgoetyane, fired in a low cross from the right flank which deflected off Lebusa and wrong-footed Reyaad Pieterse – the goalkeeper attempted to recover, but only succeeded in knocking the ball into his own net.
‘Downs manager Pitso Mosimane soon gambled by throwing on both Aubrey Ngoma and Phakamani Mahlambi in an attempt to make something happen for his team, but the Limpopo hosts remained unmovable at the back.
