By Michael Madyira
Cape Town City laboured to a 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United in an MTN8 quarter-final match at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Darwin Gonzalez scored from the penalty spot with two minutes to go to atone for his spot-kick miss from earlier on in the game.
It was an important victory for City who are still within a chance of claiming a first MTN8 title since 2018.
Following Saturday’s result, the Citizens join Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch in the semi-finals of the top-eight competition.
Hosts Sekhukhune United had new signings like Thabang Monare and Keletso Makgalwa starting while Njabulo Ngcobo was on the bench.
Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler also paraded his new men Kamohelo Mokotjo, Haashim Domingo and Fortune Makaringe.
No clear-cut chances came through in the first period but Sekhukhune were the more threatening side in the early stages before City settled into the contest to balance play.
An opportunity to change the complexion of the game came four minutes before the half-time break but Gonzalez had his effort from the penalty spot rattling against the crossbar.
It was back to square one and both teams continued to struggle for a breakthrough for the better part of the second half.
With eight minutes to go, Babina Noko captain Linda Mntambo came close in front of goal but had his headed effort going just off target.
City were then handed another penalty when Siphesihle Mkhize was adjudged to have handled inside the box and Gonzalez made no mistake this time around.
During the few minutes remaining on the clock, Sekhukhune United could not hit back to level terms.
Pictured above: Sekhukhune United midfielder Vusimuzi Mncube trying to shrug off the challenge of Cape Town City’s Taahir Goedeman
Source: Sekhukhune United
