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

Siwelele FC secured a place in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals after overcoming Polokwane City in a penalty shoot-out at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The match finished 0-0 after 120 minutes, with Siwelele goalkeeper Jody February making two saves in the shoot-out before Letshedi converted the decisive penalty to send the visitors into the last eight.

The sides had met the previous weekend in the Betway Premiership, when Siwelele claimed maximum points by beating Rise and Shine in Bloemfontein.

Both teams made changes for their second meeting in seven days. Siwelele brought Shadrack Kobedi into the starting line-up in place of Relebogile Mokhuoane, while Polokwane City recalled Giovanni Philander, Lucky Mahlatsi and Monty Moketsi Batlhabane.

The opening half was a cautious affair, with neither side showing much urgency in possession or attack. The lack of ambition contrasted with the day’s first quarter-final, in which Golden Arrows scored four times against Chippa United.

Chances remained scarce throughout the first 45 minutes. Neither Oscarine Masuluke nor February was required to make a save before the interval.

The pattern continued after the restart, although Siwelele made the first substitution before the hour mark. Michael N’Guessan, who had scored the winning goal in the previous week’s meeting, replaced Christian Saile in attack.

Polokwane City responded in the 58th minute by introducing Raymond Daniels for Philander. Daniels was forced to leave the field just 12 minutes later because of an injury, with Keorapetse Sebone taking his place.

Neither team could find a winner during the remainder of normal time, sending the match into an additional 30 minutes.

Extra-time also failed to produce a goal, but Siwelele had to play the closing stages with 10 men. Orlando Pirates loanee Aphiwe Baliti was shown a second yellow card and sent off in the 107th minute.

The tie was ultimately settled from the spot. February kept out two penalties for Siwelele, allowing Letshedi to take responsibility for the winning kick and complete the visitors’ progress.

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

Siwelele FC will next face Marumo Gallants away, followed by away matches against Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United. They then host Durban City before travelling to face Kruger United.