Linda Mntambo scored twice in the first half, leading Sekhukhune United to a 2-1 victory over Milford in the Nedbank Cup round of 16 at Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday.

The Limpopo side will now face Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarter-finals at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

Milford received a walkover in the round of 32 after Royal AM, their scheduled opponents, were expelled from the competition by the league. This expulsion followed the South African Revenue Service (SARS) seizing Royal AM due to alleged tax arrears of R40 million.

With no resolution in sight, SARS appointed a curator, Jaco Venter, who took Royal AM’s owner, Shauwn Mkhize, to court for the alleged debt. As the debt remained unpaid, the court granted SARS permission to sell the club.

While Milford awaited a resolution, they were awarded the walkover due to Royal AM’s ongoing situation, allowing them to proceed to face Sekhukhune.

Sekhukhune opened the scoring through former Orlando Pirates midfielder Mntambo. The team’s captain received a precise cross from Shaune Mogaila and slotted the ball home in the 23rd minute.

Mntambo doubled the lead in the 34th minute, this time connecting with a pass from Vuyo Letlapa inside the box to complete his brace.

However, Milford pulled a goal back two minutes before halftime. Lloyd Kazapua fumbled a corner kick, dropping the ball, and Menzi Chili capitalized, tapping it into the empty net.

Mntambo nearly restored Sekhukhune’s two-goal advantage, but his close-range effort was denied by Milford goalkeeper Mfanufikile Madondo, and the follow-up shot struck the crossbar.

Dissatisfied with Kazapua’s goalkeeping, Sekhukhune coach Lehlohonolo Seema replaced him with Badra Ali Sangare before the start of the second half.

Milford came close to equalizing in the 83rd minute when Bhekani Mthiyane’s shot hit the upright. The home side displayed improved performance in the second half, pushing for an equalizer.

Sekhukhune offered little offensively in the second half, possibly affected by the changes made at halftime.

Despite Milford’s efforts to equalize, Mntambo’s two first-half goals proved decisive, securing Sekhukhune’s place in the quarter-finals against Sundowns.