The clashes that had the fans sitting on tenterhooks
fine strike 12 minutes from time. Absa Premiership – October 22 2013
League champions Mamelodi Sundowns have such attacking talent that you feel they always have the potential to rip a side apart – as it did a few days earlier against Platinum Stars. This was one of those days and poor AmaZulu were on the receiving end. Hlompho Kekana blasted the Brazilians ahead inside two minutes and they never looked back as Cuthbert Malajila and Katlego Mashego netted two 60 seconds apart and Dove Wome made it 4-0 at halftime. Sthembiso Ngcobo pulled one back with a penalty, but Mashego got his second and Katlego Mphela belted two more. Absa Premiership – February 15 2014
It is difficult to know quite how to describe a game that was played in a good spirit and yet yielded a world record-equaling five penalties – of which only three were scored. It was as though referee Gomes could not help himself, with Sundowns coach Mosimane quipping afterwards that “at least he is consistent”. Thabo Nthethe netted his first goal for the club. Katlego Mashego added a second from the penalty spot, before Nathan Paulse profited from a soft penalty award at the other end for 2-1. Mashego them missed again from the spot, but Anthony Laffor did make it 3-1 14 minutes from time. Gomes gave Ajax another penalty, which was converted by Lance Davids. Nedbank Cup last 32 – February 22 2014
Orlando Pirates staged a miraculous comeback in this Nedbank Cup last 32 clash at National First Division Thanda Royal Zulu and would go on to win the tournament. Andile Fikizolo had Thanda 2-0 up going into the 91st minute of the game, when Ayanda Gcaba pulled one back for Pirates. That should still have been that, but a goalkeeping error from Siya Mngoma sensationally allowed Helder Pelembe to score his first goal for the Buccaneers and take the game into extra-time. Kermit Erasmus looked to have won it for Pirates when he netted, but Thanda did a rescue act of their own as Mhlengi Cele scored in the dying seconds of extra-time. The match Nedbank Cup last 32 – February 22 2014
Moroka Swallows were heavy favourites against third-tier Mpumalanga side Mbombela United, but were given the scare of their lives. Mlungisi Nkosi had United ahead in four minutes, but Lerato Chabangu equalised after halftime. United were back in front when Tshediso Patjie netted, and it looked as though they would hold on for the win before Edward Manqele equalised four minutes from the end. Vuyisile Wana and Manqele put Swallows in control, but when Bongani Ndhlovu scored for United with just minutes go, it set up another tense finish.