KwaDukuza United beat Ajax Cape Town 4-3 on penalties at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont on Saturday afternoon, to subsequently book their place in the next round of the Nedbank Cup.
With the game deadlocked at 2-2 after 120 minutes of football, the KwaZulu-Natal ABC Motsepe team emerged victorious from 12 yards as they tabled the first shock result of the tournament.
The Urban Warriors looked ready to cruise to victory as they opened the scoring after only 30 seconds. Multi-Choice Diski Challenge star ,Neo Makua, rattling the back of the net with some fans still making their way to their seats.
But, the ‘Black Jaguars’ were not to be outdone as they leveled matters in the 10th minute through Mthabela.
Chances continued to come at either end of the park with Makua setting up Prince Nxumalo in the 37th minute, only for the burly forward to head over as the half ended all square, 1-1.
The Urban Warriors restored their lead in the 67th minute through Nxumalo. The Durban-born forward with a clinical finish on his return to the starting 11 in what was his home province.
KwaDukuza United, though, showed their metal once more as Madela found the back of the net for the hosts four minutes later, to send the home crowd into delirium.
Ajax Cape Town thought they had found the winner in the 82nd minute, but Aubrey Funga’s goal was chalked off. With no further goal forthcoming in regulation time, the game headed into extra-time.
Opportunities were aplenty throughout the 30 minutes with second-half substitute Nathan Paulse a constant threat for the visitors.
But, despite several chances for both sides the game would be decided from the penalty-spot.
KwaDukuza United duly completed the ‘giant killing’ with Erick Chipeta and Nxumalo missing from 12 yards for the Absa Premiership outfit.
Stanley Menzo’s troops crashing out of the Nedbank Cup at the Round of 32 for the second season in succession, as they now turn their attention back to an Absa Premiership relegation fight.
