Fiery Cosmos subdue Wits after penalties

Bidvest Wits could not batter 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 Tuesday night’s last-16 match at 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.

It is easy to see why these games — away at fired-up, lower league teams, especially a competent, well-coached First Division side like Cosmos — can be so hard even for a strong PSL team like Wits to contend with.

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. Players with experience and trophies behind their names like Moeneeb Josephs, Siboniso Gaxa, Bongani Khumalo, Phumlani Ntshangase, Sifiso Myeni, Ngele and Cuthbert Malajila failed to intimidate Cosmos, who 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.

Ezenkosi had the early halfchances such as when Tebogo Makobela turned a near-post header from Matsilele Sono’s corner wide.

Meanwhile, Platinum Stars beat Baroka FC 1-0 in their uninspiring Nedbank Cup last 16 clash that was played at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Tuesday night.