AmaZulu FC emerged as 2-1 winners over Cape Town City after extra-time in an MTN8 quarterfinal match at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday evening.
As a result, Usuthu became the first team to reach this season’s MTN8 semifinals and the Durban-based side is next scheduled to take on Kaizer Chiefs in a DStv Premiership match on 3 September.
City, who were defeated in last season’s MTN8 final, bow out of this year’s tournament early and they will now turn their attention to their DStv Premiership clash against TS Galaxy on 3 September.
Usuthu started the match strongly – pressing and hurrying the Citizens’ defenders who were forced to make mistakes. Frank Mhango won back possession in the hosts’ half before quickly setting up Augustine Chidi Kwem, who turned brilliantly and hit the back of the net to make it 1-0 to AmaZulu in the ninth minute.
The KwaZulu-Natal giants then took their foot off the pedal – allowing City to control the match. However, Khanyisa Mayo, who was looking lively for the hosts, failed to keep his attempts on target and Wayde Lekay’s effort was easily gathered by goalkeeper Veli Mothwa.
However, parity was restored in first-half stoppage time when Lekay’s looped pass found Mayo in the visitors’ box and the former South Africa youth international made no mistake as he scored with a lovely volleyed shot to make it 1-1 heading into the halftime break.
The two teams attacked each other after the restart as they searched for more goals. Mhango, who was full of running, set up Bonginkosi Ntuli and the bulky marksman failed to keep his header on target with the 1992 Coca-Cola Cup champions looking to restore their lead.
At the other end, Brice Ambina and Mduduzi Mdantsane had their shots saved by Mothwa who was determined not to concede in the latter stages of the lively encounter. The match ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time and extra time followed.
Both teams made changes in extra-time as an attack-minded duo of Lehlohonolo Majoro and Ethan Brooks were introduced by AmaZulu coach Brandon Truter and his City counterpart Eric Tinkler brought on Mpho Makola and Craig Martin.
However, it was Majoro who proved to be an inspired substitute as the former Kaizer Chiefs marksman scored in the 113th minute to seal AmaZulu’s 1-0 win over City and their second victory over the Citizens this term having emerged as 2-1 winners in a DStv Premiership match in Durban on 13 August.
City (1) (1) 1 (Mayo 45’+1)
AmaZulu (1) (1) 2 (Chidi Kwem 9′, Majoro 113′) – After extra time
Cape Town City: Keet, Mkhize (Martin 102′), Fasika, Fielies, Mashego (Cupido 90′), Mokeke, Goedeman (Mdantsane 72′), Ambina (Makola 102′), Mayo (Bender 113′), Darwin, Lekay (Drammeh 80′).
AmaZulu: Mothwa, Sikhakhane, Hanamub, Gumede, Mobara (Mphahlele 46′), Buchanan (Brooks 98′), Makhaula, Maluleka, Kwem (Majoro 98′), Mhango (Zulu 116′), Ntuli (Zuma 70′).
SOURCED FROM THE PSL.
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