Nedbank Cup: Casric Stars eliminate Orlando Pirates, Arrows squeeze past Stellies

Nedbank Cup: Casric Stars eliminate Orlando Pirates, Arrows squeeze past Stellies

Casric Stars stunned Orlando Pirates with a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory in the Nedbank Cup on Saturday, booking their place in the quarter-finals after a gruelling contest.

Competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Casric held the Buccaneers to a goalless draw through 120 minutes.

Pirates dominated large spells but were repeatedly frustrated by goalkeeper Tshigwana Mthombeni, who produced a resilient display between the posts.

Mlungisi Zwane fired narrowly wide from 25 metres early on, while Andre De Jong, making his second consecutive Nedbank Cup start, failed to convert a Deon Hotto cross in the first half.

Samuel Nana tested Sipho Chaine after the interval, and in the 52nd minute Mthombeni spilled a tame effort from Relebohile Mofokeng before recovering to deny De Jong on the rebound.

Further chances fell to De Jong and Tshepang Moremi around the hour mark, and Hotto dragged a left-footed attempt wide. Moremi struck the crossbar in stoppage time, while Masindi Nemtanjela's late effort was blocked.

After extra time produced no breakthrough, the shootout proved decisive. Nkosikhona Ndaba dragged Pirates' 13th penalty wide, and Zebulon Mtshweni calmly beat Chaine to seal a famous victory for the visitors.

Golden Arrows 1-0 Stellenbosch

Golden Arrows booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch on Saturday evening in wet conditions.

Abafana Besthende made a single change from their win over Magesi FC, with Nqubeko Dlamini replacing Isaac Cisse. Stellenbosch, known as the Maroons, recalled Henri Stanic, Omega Mdaka and Ashley Cupido to the starting line-up.

The visitors started brightly, as Cupido tested goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa with a sharp near-post effort. Devon Titus also tried his luck from range, forcing another save, before seeing a low strike kept out before the interval.

Arrows responded through Dlamini and Ayabulela Maxwele, but neither could fashion a clear opening.

After the break, Mdaka's shot was parried away, while Stellenbosch were denied a penalty following a handball by Ayanda Jiyane, much to the frustration of coach Gavin Hunt.

Arrows struck decisively in the 66th minute when Angelo Van Rooi side-footed home from close range. A late red card for Thabo Moloisane ended Stellenbosch's hopes as Arrows held firm to progress. 

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