Stellenbosch, Pirates impress in Nedbank Cup quarterfinals
14/04/2024 17:19
Stellenbosch FC and Orlando Pirates impressed on a weekend of Nedbank Cup quarterfinal action, which saw them joined in the final four of South Africa's national cup competition by Mamelodi Sundowns and Chippa United.
Chippa United are the surprise package advancing into the semifinals after they secured an upset 2-0 away win over hosts TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium in Sunday's lone match.
The Rockets, unbeaten in five matches, were strongly tipped to win, but the Chilli Boys put up a sound defensive performance and offered a potent threat from set pieces and on the counter attack to earn themselves a third straight win across all competitions – thanks to a first-half header from Bienvenu Eva Nga and a late penalty from Roscoe Pietersen.
The quarterfinals got going on Friday evening with a Tshwane derby between the University of Pretoria and Mamelodi Sundowns.
AmaTuks very nearly staged a major upset, holding the heavyweights 1-1 over 120 minutes (with goals from Delano Abrahams and Lucas Ribeiro), but the Brazilians ultimately emerged 4-3 victors on penalties thanks to some heroics from Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Saturday's afternoon game was one-way traffic at the Danie Craven Stadium, as Stellenbosch FC continued their excellent season with a 4-0 destruction of SuperSport United.
Anicet Oura, Devin Titus, Andre de Jong and Iqraam Rayners all found the back of the net as Stellies put up arguably the best performance of an outstanding campaign thus far – including a current run of 21 games unbeaten in official competitions.
Saturday evening brought an entertaining triumph for reigning Nedbank Cup champions Orlando Pirates, as they defeated hosts AmaZulu 4-2 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The Buccaneers found themselves a goal down after Hendrick Ekstein opened the scoring, but a controversial penalty, scored by Patrick Maswanganyi, left the teams level at 1-1 at the interval.
Kabelo Dlamini put the Soweto side ahead, only for Taariq Fielies to make it 2-2 just after the hour mark, but Pirates ultimately showed their class with late goals from Makhehlene Makhaula and Maswanganyi to seal a spot in the final four.
The draw for the semifinals was conducted immediately after Sunday's match, with Chippa at home to Pirates and Stellenbosch at home to Sundowns – these matches will be played on the first weekend of May.
In addition, the PSL confirmed that the final on Saturday 1 June will be played at the Mbombela Stadium.
Nedbank Cup quarterfinal results
Friday 12 April
University of Pretoria 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns – After extra time, Sundowns won 4-3 on penalties
Saturday 13 April
Stellenbosch FC 4-0 SuperSport United
AmaZulu FC 2-4 Orlando Pirates
Sunday 14 April
TS Galaxy 0-2 Chippa United
