Maritzburg exit on penalties

DESPITE having a good game, Maritzburg United lost their Telkom Knockout Cup last16 encounter against Kaizer Chiefs after exiting 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw at the FNB Stadium.

Kurt Lentjies and Deolin Mekoa failed to beat Itumeleng Khune from the spot, while Brian Onyango and Bevan Fransman scored for United.

Willard Kantsande, George Lebese, Lorenzo Gordinho and Keagan Buchanan made sure they converted to book a spot in the quarterfinals.

As early as the second minute, Amakhosi showed their intentions when Michelle Katsvairo dispossessed Fransman in the middle of the park and made a great run into the box, only to miss on the right of Bongani Mpandle’s goals.

In the 16th minute, the Team of Choice protested for a penalty when Kgotso Moleko handled the ball in the box, but their plea fell on deaf ears.

Just after 30 minutes, Erick Mathoho nearly cost Amakhosi when he miskicked a back pass to Khune. Luyanda Ntshangase latched on to it in the box, but his shot was saved by the Bafana Bafana keeper.

Four minutes later, a powerful shot from Dennis Wieldiech struck the woodwork.

Despite controlling proceedings, Ernst Middendorp’s side failed to score as it remained 0-0 at the interval.

At the start of second half, Lebese sneaked in behind United’s defence and his left-footed shot went just wide in the 50th minute.

With seven minutes remaining, the lights went off.

Although the match resumed, the 90 minutes ended all-square.

That meant the match had to be decided in extra time.

There were no goals at the end of both halves and the encounter had to be decided via a penalty shootout with Amakhosi running out the winners.