Sekhukhune Outlasted AmaZulu In MTN8 Extra-Time Madness

Sekhukhune United have advanced to the MTN8 semi-finals after securing a thrilling 4-3 victory over AmaZulu following extra time at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The game was eventually decided in extra time, with Vuyo Letlapa scoring the winning goal for Cedric Kaze’s side to send them into the semi-finals of the top-eight competition for the second consecutive season.

Sekhukhune were eliminated by Stellenbosch in the semi-finals last season, but Babina Noko have now earned another opportunity to compete for a place in the MTN8 final.

AmaZulu took the lead in the 15th minute when Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya found the back of the net with a right-footed effort from inside the box, with Athini Maqokolo providing the assist.

Babina Noko responded on the stroke of half-time as Tshepo Mokoena’s long-range effort took a deflection off AmaZulu defender Taariq Fielies before finding its way into the net to level the score at 1-1.

The second half then produced a remarkable six-minute spell in which both teams scored twice.

Sekhukhune regained the lead in the 52nd minute through Givemore Khupe before Ellis Rammala added another two minutes later to put Kaze’s side 3-1 ahead.

However, AmaZulu, coached by Arthur Zwane, responded almost immediately.

Ngwenya completed his brace in the 55th minute before Fielies scored two minutes later to bring Usuthu level at 3-3 and force the match into extra time.

With neither side able to find the decisive goal during regulation time, Letlapa eventually broke the deadlock in extra time, scoring Sekhukhune’s fourth goal to seal a dramatic 4-3 victory.

The result sees Babina Noko join Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-finals after the two sides secured victories over Durban City and Polokwane City respectively on Saturday.

The final quarter-final of the competition will take place on Sunday evening, with Kaizer Chiefs set to face Golden Arrows for the remaining semi-final spot.