XI Experience win Nedbank Cup Regional play-offs

Both XI Experience and Ace Auto Ayoba were aiming for gold in this match.

Within five minutes of the first half Tebatjo Mamabolo (23) of XI Experience collided with Ayoba’s keeper Andile Duza (20).

Duza sustained an injury and had to be immediately carried off the field.

The coaches called for urgent substitution and Sipho Ntuli (17) stepped in as new keeper for Ayoba.

Shortly after XI Experience tried to capitalise on this with numerous strikes on goal, but missed.

Ayoba then bagged a goal in the 25th minute, made possible by Ntokozo Mgidi (18).

As tension built up, the coaches gave instructions from the sidelines.

Ayoba’s victory was short lived, as about two minutes later XI Experience was given a free kick taken by Nhlakanipho Mngcina (21), who secured the equaliser.

XI Experience missed out on two other opportunities to extend their lead, leaving the score at 1-1 at half-time.

The action-packed second half was no easier for the teams.

In the first 10 minutes Siyabonga Zwane (19) of XI Experience bagged the team’s second goal.

Both sides then missed on a couple of chances to score, until Ayoba team captain Mduduzi Methula (21) stepped up to equalise.

A few minutes later, with XI Experience eager to punish their opponents, close to the end of the match Ayoba were forced to save a shot that almost cost them the game.

Methula also missed a goal after taking a free kick.

And at the three-minutes mark before the final whistle blew, Musa Mdlasose (22) of Ayoba was handed a red card.

Since the game ended with a 2-2 draw, match officials called for a penalty shoot-out.

Ayoba opted to go first, with team captain Methula first in line to take a shot.

XI Experience keeper, Thokozani Simelani (17), however, kept the ball out of the net.

Mngcina of XI Experience was front man for his side and he managed to score the first penalty.

Ayoba’s Mduduzi Mbonani (18) took the second penalty but the magic fingers of Simelani blocked the goal again.

XI Experience sent forth their second soldier, Vuyani Mpiliso (21) and he scored a second goal.

At this point the score sat at 4-2 with XI Experience in the lead and Ayoba could only hope for the best as they saw the win slipping away.

Lucky Stevens of Ayoba prepared to face Simelani, but the young keeper proved unstoppable, making his third penalty save.

XI Experience put forward their final secret weapon, Sifiso Motau (20), who managed to bag the third penalty, awarding them the win and a final score of 5-2.