Dondol Stars continue giant-killing act by beating AmaZulu

AmaZulu FC’s drought for the Nedbank Cup quarter-final extended after being knocked out by ABC Motsepe side Dondol Stars FC who’re continuing to slay the giants.

Dondol brushed aside the KZN side 5-4 on penalties after a 120-minute 1-1 draw.

Pule Ekstein scored for Usuthu in the 53rd minute while Revaldo Fox equalised for the Gauteng outfit, six minutes later.

Dondol first presented themselves in the Nedbank Cup last 32 as giant killers after eliminating the five-time winners of the tournament, SuperSport United in a 2-1 scoreline.

Coming to this game, football enthusiasts’ attention was upon them with many expecting them to pick up where they left off in the Matsatsantsa’s game.

On the other hand, AmaZulu came flying high after beating Chippa United 2-0 in the league outing in a match where they kept their first clean-sheet since 13 January, against Kaizer Chiefs in the league.

DONDOL STARS HELD AMAZULU TO A 0-0 DRAW IN FIRST HALF

In the first 15 minutes, Dondol Stars looked more of a better side than Romain Folz’s troops. And most clear chances fell in their favour.

In the 22nd minute, AmaZulu got their first chance with Gabadinho Mhango’s shot hitting the upright. A minute later, Esktein also came close, however, his shot was cleared off by the Dondol defence.

Two minutes later, it was Dondol’s chance to open the scoring, however, the shot went wide.

For the rest of the first half, the two teams kept coming at each other. But both sides went into half-time goalless, with their efforts not enough to rattle the back of the net.

DONDOL’S FIGHT KEPT THEM IN THE GAME

Within the first minute of the second stanza, AmaZulu looked pumped up. However, Dondol grew into the game and came close to scoring in the 47th minute through Tshepo Skhosana’s effort. But Jody February was alert as he stopped the ball from going into the net.

Ekstein scored the first goal of the game in the 53rd minute after a defensive error committed by Dondol Stars.

AmaZulu’s goal did not stop Dondol from attacking as Kholofelo Monama tried to take a long-range shot, but it went over the crossbar.

Dondol’s fight back after they conceded a goal, awarded them an equaliser in the 59th minute from a corner-kick that landed on Fox, who finished on the far post.

In the 66th minute, AmaZulu came close to regaining their lead but the Dondol’s defence was well awake as they protected their goals.

Makungo was at it again in the AmaZulu’s box in the 76th minute, but his efforts were intercepted by the veteran defender, Ramahlwe Mphahlele.

For the remainder of the second half, Dondol made their intentions felt with numerous attacks aimed at Jody February’s posts. But their end product was not good enough to give them a lead.

Towards the end of the second half, Sphamanhla Gumede had to make some saves to keep his side in the game

The two sides headed into extra time after no decider goal was scored in full time.

Keegan Buchanan received a red card in the 114th minute, leaving AmaZulu to finish the game with 10 men.

The game ended in a 1-1 stalemate, before Usuthu lost the battle in a penalty shootout.

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