New striker Christian Saile Basomboli and Ashley Du Preez scored in extra-time as Kaizer Chiefs defeated 10-Men Maritzburg United to book their Nedbank Cup last-32 ticket.
With Harry Gwala Stadium packed to the rafters, Chiefs needed to wait to extra-time to see their side break down the resilient Maritzburg defence.
Kwame Peprah tried his luck with a shot from just outside the box to test Brandon Petersen, with the ball rolling in over the top corner in the early stages of the game, but the former Bidvest Wits goalie pushed it away for the corner to avert the danger.
However, Chiefs were quick to craft things together, putting Maritzburg under pressure.
Rising star Mdu Shabalala got more on the ball along with captain Keagan Dolly and Yusuf Maart interchanging passes to put Maritzburg on the back foot.
Shabalala had two shots on target but they were easily saved by King Ndlovu, who was given a rare start by coach Fadlu Davids.
Shabalala then made things interesting for Chiefs, breaking away towards goal, but was hacked down by Travis Graham. Referee Abongile Tom had no choice but to flash a second yellow and red card to send the Maritzburg captain for an early shower in the 38th minute.
The pressure was more thrown to Maritzburg, as they were already resorted to the defending. It was a case of “holding out as long as we can” as the Team of Choice were one man down.
Ashley du Preez stung the hands of Ndlovu, who swiveled in the air to divert the shot for a corner as Chiefs were looking to make their numerical advantage count.
Amakhosi almost opened the scoring after an hour mark. Du Preez had a header from close range but it came off the Maritzburg wall. Maart, with the second ball falling to his path, flashed it wide when the entire Maritzburg team stood.
In a rare foray move Maritzburg got as they were under siege, Rowan Human’s bullet shot from range was beaten away by Petersen in the 70th minute.
New signing Christian Saile made his first start for Chiefs, after coming from the bench in the last two matches, but he was well guarded by Maritzburg’s reinforced defence and the match headed into extra-time.
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But it was Saile, who eventually found the breakthrough, pouncing on a lose ball in the five-yard box after a mistake by Ndlovu.
Chiefs were wasteful in extra-time and missed several opportunities to add a second goal, while substitute Amadou Soukouna almost scored out of nowhere in the 110th minute but his shot only hit the outside of the post.
However, Du Preez finally found Chiefs’ second goal with a superb volley from inside the box after an inch-perfect cross by substitute Happy Mashiane.
Chiefs joined Mamelodi Sundowns, Sekhukhune United, Marumo Gallants, Dondol Stars and Cape Town Spurs in the Nedbank Cup round of 16, as coach Arthur Zwane breathed a huge sigh of relief.
