The Nedbank Cup Round of 16 matches this weekend threw up several shock results – none more so than the elimination of the top TWO teams in the Betway Premiership.
Action got under way on Friday, 20 February when AmaZulu edged Richards Bay 1-0 in a KwaZulu-Natal derby at the uMhlathuze Sports Stadium.
Double shock elimination
The four games on Saturday, 21 February saw PSL giants Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns BOTH eliminated.
Mamelodi Sundowns traveled to the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in Mpumalanga to play TS Galaxy where they lost 2-0.
The Buccaneers then hosted second-tier Casric Stars at Orlando Stadium and were seeking an unprecedented fourth final in a row in South Africa’s premier knockout cup.
However, those hopes were dashed when they went down 5-4 on penalties and the match was deadlocked at 0-0 after extra-time.
Nkosikhona Ndaba missed the all-important spot-kick for the Buccaneers.
Controversial fashion
Elsewhere, second-tier Upington City lost 2-0 on penalties against Betway Premiership side Durban City to the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium, while the final game of the day – an all-Betway Premiership affair – saw Golden Arrows edge Stellenbosch FC 1-0 in controversial fashion at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
New Stellies coach Gavin Hunt was left fuming over the lack of VAR in South African football following the final whistle.
KwaZulu-Natal derby
The final three games in the round were all played on Sunday, 22 February.
Second-tier leaders Milford FC hosted third-tier Mkhambathi FC and ran out easy 3-0 winners in what was another KwaZulu-Natal derby at the uMhlathuze Sports Stadium.
In what was a battle of the ABC Motsepe League teams, Jacksa Spears became just the fourth amateur side to reach the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals when they beat Vasco da Gama 1-0 at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium in Upington.
Finally, second-tier University of Pretoria played host to topflight Sekhukhune United at Tuks Stadium, but it was the Betway Premiership side who won, 1-0.
Nedbank Cup Last 16 Fixtures
Friday, 20 February
Richards Bay 0-1 AmaZulu
Saturday, 21 February
Upington City 0-0 (Durban City won 2-0 on penalties) Durban City
TS Galaxy 2-0 Mamelodi Sundowns
Golden Arrows 1-0 Stellenbosch FC
Orlando Pirates 0-0 (Casric Stars won 5-4 on penalties) Casric Stars
Sunday, 22 February
Milford FC 3-0 Mkhambathi FC
Jacksa Spears 1-0 CR Vasco da Gama
University of Pretoria 0-1 Sekhukhune United
Which side will go on to win this season’s Nedbank Cup?
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