Eight-goal thriller in semi-final cup action

ACR sportsman Thulani Kati Hlophe writes:
Orlando Stadium was the venue for the Nedbank Cup 2019/2020 semi-final double-header: Baroka FC vs Bloemfontein Celtics and Mamelodi Sundowns vs Bidvest Wits.
After a 146-day break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the players were eager to get onto the pitch and do what they do best.
Victor Hlongwane, in charge of the first game between Baroka and Celtics, blew the whistle to kick off the first competitive match after nearly four months.
It was clear from both teams that the players were a bit rusty, as they struggled to find their rhythm.
Within 20 minutes of kick-off, Celtics defender Mpusana Tani pulled a hamstring and was replaced by forward Andile Fikizolo. In the 31st minute, Anannias Gebhardt of Baroka was shown a red card for a studs up foul on Lucky Baloyi.
The first goal of the match came at the stroke of half-time when Baroka were caught flat-footed with goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze off his line.
Potsane passed the ball to Ndumiso Mabena, who put it into the back of the net with his left foot and Celtics were one goal up.
After half-time, Baroka made double substitutions, which helped them come back to life and they were able to string a couple of good passes going forward, but their efforts ended in the Celtics’ keeper’s warm hands.
In the 83rd minute, Chipezeze committed a foul on Mabena inside the penalty box and the referee pointed to the spot. Victor Letsoalo made it 2-0 for Celtics with that penalty kick.
Just when everyone was waiting for Hlongwane to blow the final whistle, Letsoalo struck again to score his second goal of the match and his third goal of the competition, so the match ended with Celtics winning by three goals to nil.
Mamelodi Sundowns saw the return of coach Rhulani Mokwena on the bench, as the Brazilians took on Bidvest Wits in the second semi-final match of the Nedbank Cup.

Also read: Teams face off this weekend as season gets underway again

This was the game many soccer lovers were looking forward to, as Bidvest Wits were playing their last cup competition in SA football after 99 years of existence (their status has been sold to TTM as of next season).
They had hoped to bid farewell in style by advancing to the finals, but it wasn’t to be against Sundowns. With all their regular goalkeepers injured, Wits started with Brighton Mhlongo on the posts.
The match started at a slow pace, as the players were still trying to find their feet after a long break.
Sundowns were awarded a penalty in the 35th minute after Motjeka Madisha was pulled by the jersey inside the box by Buhle Mkhwanazi, and referee Luxolo Badi pointed to the spot.
Sundowns penalty specialist Ricardo Nascimento slotted it home to put ‘Downs 1-0 ahead.
Then, just before half-time, Wits captain Thulani Hlatshwayo was given a yellow card after a foul on Themba Zwane.
In the second half, Wits came back with a more positive attitude, pushing forward, and managed to find an equaliser in the 76th minute through a strike by Terrence Dzvukamanja, beating goalkeeper Dennis Onyango.
Minutes later, Mhlongo made a blunder by advancing away from his posts and the ball fell to Keletso Makgalwa, who found an open net to give Sundowns a 2-1 lead. Dzvukamanja levelled matters again in the 86th minute when he turned past Madisha to score his second goal of the day.
Sundowns were awarded a free kick late in stoppage time; Lyla Lackay took it and curled it past Mhlongo into the back of the net to give Sundowns a hard-fought 3-2 win.
Sundowns will face off against Celtics in the final on September 8.

Fixtures for this coming weekend:
Friday:
Bidvest Wits vs Cape Town City;
Highlands Park vs Mamelodi Sundowns.
Saturday:
Stellenbosch FC vs Golden Arrows;
Amazulu FC vs Baroka FC;
Polokwane City vs Kaizer Chiefs;
Orlando Pirates vs Bidvest Wits.
Sunday:
Black Leorpards vs Maritzburg United;
Supersport United vs Bloemfontein Celtics.

Photo courtesy: Mamelodi Sundowns.Make sure you follow us on our social media platforms for regular updates