Sekhukhune United edge AmaZulu in seven-goal MTN8 extra-time thriller

Sekhukhune United reached the MTN8 semi-finals after surviving a dramatic 4-3 victory over AmaZulu at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors appeared to have secured a decisive advantage after Givemore Khupe and Ngoanamello Rammala scored in quick succession early in the second half to put Babina Noko 3-1 ahead.

AmaZulu, however, produced a spirited response. Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya scored his second goal of the afternoon before Taariq Fielies completed the recovery four minutes later, sending the match into extra-time at 3-3.

Vuyo Letlapa restored Sekhukhune United’s lead during the first 15 minutes of extra-time. AmaZulu pressed for another equaliser, but were unable to find a fourth goal as the visitors held on to book their place in the last four.

The two sides were making successive appearances in the MTN8. AmaZulu had been eliminated in the opening round last season, while Sekhukhune United reached the semi-finals before losing to Stellenbosch.

The quarter-final began cautiously, with both teams initially reluctant to commit too many players forward. AmaZulu had the first clear opportunity when Ngwenya was presented with a good chance, but his effort went over the crossbar.

The forward soon made up for that miss. AmaZulu capitalised on a mistake in Sekhukhune United’s attempted clearance, allowing Ngwenya to remain composed and slide the ball into the net for the opening goal.

The home team continued to look for a second, while Sekhukhune United kept their defensive shape and limited AmaZulu’s attacking threat. Although Cedric Kaze’s side enjoyed greater possession late in the first half, they struggled to create further clear chances.

Sekhukhune United drew level shortly before the interval. Tshepo Mokoena collected the ball outside the penalty area and struck a powerful effort which beat Wilfried Kouassi, leaving the teams level at 1-1 at half-time.

The contest then burst into life after the restart. Four goals were scored in an eight-minute spell, beginning with Sekhukhune United moving in front through Khupe before Rammala added another to make it 3-1.

AmaZulu responded almost at once. Ngwenya found the net again to reduce the deficit, and Fielies scored four minutes later to bring the KwaZulu-Natal side level.

AmaZulu created further openings as they searched for a winning goal, but neither team could break the deadlock before the end of normal time.

Letlapa’s extra-time strike ultimately settled the tie. Despite repeated efforts from Usuthu to force another comeback, Sekhukhune United protected their advantage and secured progression to the MTN8 semi-finals.