Sekhukhune United will play Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final at the end of the month, after they beat Stellenbosch in a penalty shootout at the Danie Craven Stadium after Sunday evening’s semi-final encounter ended goalless.
Both teams had chances in the 120 minutes to win the game, but in the end, it was spot kicks that decided the winner, as Sekhukhune booked their place in their first-ever cup final.
It was a bright start to the game for the home team, who looked to take the early initiative, looking to use their pace. Sibongiseni Mthethwa tried from range in the seventh minute, but it was directly at Badra Ali Sangare.
Meanwhile, at the other end, Kamohelo Mokotjo had a chance two minutes, but Lee Langeveldt did well to save the attempt from outside the box.
Stellies went close in the 13th minute, but Junior Mendieta’s looping effort struck the woodwork, while referee Philangenkosi Khumalo waved played on after Iqraam Rayners thought he had a penalty after being brought down by Sangare two minutes later.
Mendieta had another chance in the 31st minute, but this time his effort was off target. Rayners shot straight at Sangare in the 40th minute.
At the end of the first 45 minutes it remained goalless.
It was almost a lead for Stellenbosch in the opening minute of the second half, but Devin Titus’ shot hit the upright. Another chance fell for Rayners a minute later, but he shot straight at Sangare.
Stellies thought they had a penalty in the 53rd minute when Vusi Sibiya was shoved in the box, but referee Khumalo waved play on.
At the other end, Langeveldt made a good save to deny Victor Letsoalo in the 59th minute, after the striker did well to get his head onto the end of a free kick.
Stellies continued to apply the pressure, and after another turned-down request for a penalty, Rayners hit the side-netting in the 70th minute, before shooting straight at Sangare a minute later.
Sekhukhune had their best chance so far in the 73rd minute, with Langeveldt on the ground, it was Olwethu Makhanya who made a heroic goal-line block to deny Pogiso Mahlangu with the goalmouth beckoning.
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Just before the end of the 90, Chibuike Ohizu had a chance for Sekhukhune but his shot was deflected behind. With the score still goalless, extra time was needed.
Five minutes into extra time Langeveldt made an excellent save to deny Letsoalo from close range.
Substitute Juan Ortiz went wide in the opening minute of the second half as extra time, and with fewer clear-cut chances, it looked like the game would be heading to penalties.
Mthethwa was at the end of a good move in the 115th minute, but his final shot lacked the power to beat Sangare.
With the penalty shootout in mind, both clubs interesting made changes to the goalkeepers, with Ntokozo Mtsweni and Sage Stephens replacing Sangare and Langeveldt respectively.
