Ubuntu Cape Town beat AmaZulu 3-2 in their Nedbank Cup round-of-16 clash at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday night.
The National First Division side earned the tag of giant killers in this year’s competition after knocking out Polokwane City in the previous round and stayed true to that name with an impressive performance.
The Cape Town side had a fast start and took the lead with just six minutes on the clock. A reverse pass found Jesse Donn on the byline, who delivered a dangerous cross which was met by Clint Fredericks, whose well-directed header left the goalkeeper with no chance.
Casey Prince’s men then doubled their lead when another cross by Donn found Duncan Adonis on the edge of the box, who had the time to take a touch and pick his spot, 2-0 after 25 minutes.
There was no chance of real note in the remainder of the half, 2-0 at the break.
The Premier Soccer League side were expected to come out firing in the second half, but instead it was their lower league opposition who made a bright start.
On 47 minutes, Ubuntu had their third. A ball into the box by Adonis found Kamohelo Mahlatsi who got fortunate after his poor first touch hit the defender and fell back to his feet. With a second bite of the cherry, Mahlatsi thumped the ball into the back of the net.
There was, however, hope for Usuthu as they pulled one back on 75 minutes. A great cross was met by Mabhuti Khenyeza whose glancing header flew past the goalkeeper.
The home side were then gaining momentum and hit the post twice in two minutes after scoring the goal.
Cavin Johnson’s men then set up a frantic finish as they got another goal back on 89 minutes. A driven cross found the run of Ovidy Karuru whose bullet header ruffled the back of the net.
Try as they might, AmaZulu could not find the equaliser and were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup by an NFD side in an entertaining encounter.
Picture: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix