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

Siwelele FC reached the Carling Knockout quarter-finals after beating Polokwane City in a penalty shoot-out following a goalless game over 120 minutes on Saturday evening.

Thato Letshedi scored the decisive penalty to make Siwelele the second side into the last eight, while Polokwane goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke missed from the spot as the shoot-out was settled.

The match was a repeat of the teams’ Betway Premiership meeting the previous Sunday, when Siwelele had also been seeking victory over Rise and Shine. Polokwane were still searching for their first win of the season.

Neither side created many clear opportunities in the first half. Christian Saile came closest to opening the scoring for Polokwane when Aphiwe Baliti’s delivery from the byline found the former Kaizer Chiefs forward, who sent his effort over the crossbar.

Siwelele threatened from a Baliti corner, but Yanda Mfolozi headed wide while under pressure in a crowded penalty area.

Polokwane started the second half with greater purpose and almost broke the deadlock when Giovani Philander crossed from the right for Tidimalo Molokwane. However, Molokwane’s header was off target.

Masuluke then kept Polokwane level by saving from Shadrack Kobedi, who had attempted to catch the goalkeeper out with a quick effort after a free-kick.

Monty Mathlabane was next to go close for Polokwane, trying an acrobatic overhead kick that flew over the goal. The stalemate remained intact at the end of normal time.

Five minutes into the second half of extra-time, Siwelele were reduced to 10 players when Baliti received a second yellow card for fouling Surprise Manthonsi.

Polokwane were unable to take advantage of the numerical advantage, although they came close when Bulelani Nikani met a free-kick with a looping header. His attempt struck the foot of the post.

The match therefore went to penalties, where Siwelele converted the crucial kick through Letshedi to complete their progress to the quarter-finals.