WITS BOOK TELKOM KNOCKOUT SEMIFINAL SPOT
Defending champions Bidvest Wits secured a 2-1 victory over Maritzburg United in the 2018 Telkom Knockout Cup quarterfinal match at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday.
The win saw the Clever Boys join Baroka FC and Orlando Pirates in the semifinals, while the Team of Choice bowed out of the tournament.
The Clever Boys began the match brightly and they had a chance to score through their Scottish striker Simon Murray.
However, the former Hibernian forward placed his effort wide of the target as the Team of Choice survived a scare six minutes into the game.
Wits then suffered a blow a double blow as Thabang Monare and Terrance Dzvukamanja were substituted after sustaining injuries between the 26th minute and 32nd minute.
Despite having been forced to make changes, the visitors managed to break the deadlock through Maritzburg defender Nazier Allie.
Haashim Domingo’s shot was turned home by Allie, who scored an own goal against his former side to make it 1-0 to Wits in the 38th minute.
It was soon 2-0 to Wits as Buhle Mkhwanazi scored with a good header on the stroke of half-time.
Justice Figuaredo, who is an attack-minded player, was introduced by Maritzburg prior to the start of the second-half.
The Team of Choice dominated possession as they looked to penetrate the Clever Boys defence and beat goalkeeper Darren Keet.
The experienced keeper was called into action in the 59th minute and he made a good save to deny Yannick Zakri as the hosts looked to pull one back.
Maritzburg deservingly scored twelve minutes later when Figuaredo scored with a left-footed shot make it 2-1 on the night.
Wits head coach Gavin Hunt reacted by pulling out Domingo and he introduced Vuyo Mere as the visitors looked to contain the hosts.
The visitors then stood firm at the back and ultimately, Wits emerged 2-1 winners over Maritzburg.
Maritzburg (0) 1 (Figuaredo 71′)
Wits (2) 2 (Alie 38′, Mkhwanazi 45’+2)
Maritzburg: Mpandle, Thlone (Figuaredo 46′), Xulu, Shandu (Makgalwa 79′), Allie, Mekoa, Sanoka, Makaringe, Zakri, Ndlovu, Mokate.
Wits: Keet, Hlatshwayo, Johannes, Monare (Ritchie 26′), Murray, Hotto, Hlanti, Mkhwanazi, Alexander, Domingo (Mere 77′), Dzvukamanja (Pelembe 32′).
