Fiery Jomo Cosmos dump Wits in penalty shootout

BIDVEST Wits could not find their way past a fiery Jomo Cosmos by the end of extra time, then succumbed 5-4 in the penalty shootout as Ezenkosi progressed into the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals in last night’s last-16 match at the Tsakane Stadium.

Linda Mntambo had put Cosmos ahead in the third minute of first-half injury time, with Mogakolodi Ngele equalising for Wits in the 65th.

Wits coach Gavin Hunt put out a team of second-stringers that on player-for-player quality looked like they could comfortably finish in the top eight in the PSL.

They included experienced players like Moeneeb Josephs, Siboniso Gaxa, Bongani Khumalo, Phumlani Ntshangase, Sifiso Myeni, Ngele and Cuthbert Malajila.

But Cosmos were not daunted, and took the game to their more esteemed visitors.

In characteristic Ezenkosi style, in defence Jomo Sono’s team clattered down any Wits player who came close.

Cosmos’s 1-0 lead at the break was fitting as they had the better of the first half.

Cosmos would always have to weather a storm coming out of the change rooms, especially with Hunt introducing Daine Klate and Phakamani Mahlambi from the bench.

But something had to give as, from Klate’s corner, Ngele got up to head past goalkeeper Lesego Modiba.

But this bruising encounter would have no winner from normal play.

In the shootout, for Cosmos, Ange Lebahi, Ananias Gebhardt, Thato Lingwati, Denzil Haoseb and Nkanyiso Madonsela scored. Matsilele Sono’s kick was saved while Tebogo Makobela missed.

For Wits, Mahlambi, Myeni, Ntshangase, Buhle Mhkwanazi scored. Malajila’s shot was stopped by Modiba, Elias Pelembe struck the upright and Sifiso Hlanti’s final kick of the game was saved by Modiba.

Platinum Stars beat Baroka FC 1-0 in an uninspiring Nedbank Cup clash at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Stars’ goal was scored by striker Ndumiso Mabena deep into injury time of extra time to break the hearts of Baroka and dump them out of the tournament

In the other match, SuperSport United beat KwaDukuza United 2-0. – Additional reporting by Mahlatse Mphahlele