Siwelele FC edge Polokwane City on penalties to reach Carling Knockout quarter-finals

Siwelele FC reached the Carling Knockout quarter-finals after defeating Polokwane City in a penalty shoot-out following a goalless draw on Saturday evening.

The result gave Siwelele a second victory over Rise and Shine in two weeks, having also beaten them in last Sunday’s Betway Premiership meeting. They became the second team to secure a place in the last eight, while Polokwane City continued their search for a first win of the season.

Polokwane threatened early when Tidimalo Molokwane intercepted a pressing move and fired a quick shot, but the forward was unable to seriously test Siwelele goalkeeper Jody February.

The visitors then missed a clear opportunity when former Kaizer Chiefs striker Christian Saile lifted a delivery from the byline by Aphiwe Baliti over the crossbar.

Siwelele came close later in the half after Baliti’s corner reached Yanda Mfolozi, but the defender headed wide through a crowded penalty area.

Chances go begging

Rise and Shine began the second half positively and almost took the lead when Giovani Philander’s cross from the right found Molokwane, who headed wide.

Siwelele responded with a chance of their own. Shadrack Kobedi met a free-kick with a quick shot, but experienced Polokwane goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke made the save.

With full-time approaching, Siwelele made a substitution, replacing Siphesihle Jeza with Blessing Thulo.

Polokwane then tried an inventive route to goal when Monty Mathlabane attempted an overhead kick after receiving a well-placed delivery. His effort flew over the goal, sending the match into extra-time.

Five minutes into the second half of extra-time, Siwelele were reduced to 10 players when Baliti was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Surprise Manthonsi.

Polokwane nearly took advantage of their numerical superiority when defender Bulelani Nikani met a free-kick with a looping header. The ball struck the foot of the post, however, and the deadlock remained.

With neither side able to score, the tie was decided by penalties. Siwelele prevailed after Masuluke missed his attempt, before Thato Letshedi converted the decisive kick.

Polokwane City’s next five fixtures are at home against TS Galaxy and Kruger United, followed by away matches against Durban City and Mamelodi Sundowns, and a home game against Golden Arrows.

Siwelele FC will visit Marumo Gallants, Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United before hosting Durban City and travelling to Kruger United.