TTM upset Arrows
Nedbank Cup Last 32 pulls surprises
Maximilian Mbaeva's Golden Arrows failed to capitalise on their depth in squad after losing to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.
Golden Arrows were eliminated from the Nedbank Cup on Saturday after a 7-6 penalty shootout loss to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC.Lehlohonolo Seema started Andile Fikizolo in place of Nduduzo Sibiya and retained goalkeeper Nkosingiphile Gumede ahead of Sifiso Mlungwana.
Vhadau vhadamani experienced a tough start in the first 15 minutes and could have been behind through the head of Lindokuhle Mtshali, but he found the face of the post.
Tshakhuma gave Abafana Besthende a big scare after 27 minutes when Rhulani Manzini helped a snap attempt in the area into the net but the flag went up as he strayed into an offside position.
Manzini cautioned the KwaZulu-Natal outfit again with a looping header in the area three minutes apart but on this occasion, he nestled the top of the net.
Arrows enjoyed the better spell of chances in the closing stages of the half which had Tshakhuma goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda thwart Fikizolo and Michael Gumede’s free-kick.
The hosts were first to throw in a fresh pair of legs after the restart, as Naeem Amojee came on to replace Tebogo Motloung.
Abafana Besthende wasted another chance six minutes after the break when Michael Gumede headed a cross from the right straight at the clutches of Sibanda.
Vhadau vhadamani used Abafana Besthende’s inaccuracy to their benefit following 68 minutes and snatched the lead when Tshepo Matete attacked a smart cross to head in.
Abafana Besthende responded in the final 15 minutes off a first-time strike in the area by Siboniso Conco after Tshakhuma failed to deal with the trickery of Pule Mmodi.
The match went to extra-time as neither outfit managed to get the winner, and Tshakhuma went close to regain the lead minutes in the additional period but Amojee couldn’t pounce.
As chances continued to fall, neither side took initiative as a penalty shoot-out would decided the outcome. It went all the way to sudden death with goalkeeper Washington Arubi netting the winning kick for TTM after Mthokozisi Dube failed to convert for Arrows.
Confirmed line-ups:
TTM: Sibande, Thopola, Mpeta, Motloung, Netshilindi, Matete, Motloung, Manzini, Makha, Baloyi, Ngwepe
Subs: Kock, Ndou, Muyambo, Setelele, Mohoje, Amoojee, Nyeleka, Mlangeni, Masegela
Arrows: N.Gumede, Zuke, Ndlovu, Mantshiyane, Fikizolo, Sibisi, Mtshali, L.Dube, Mmodi, Dlamini, M.Gumede
Subs: Mlungwana, M.Dube, Conco, Gumbi, Mutizwa, Magubane, Sibiya, Cele, Nxadi.