Amakhosi scrape through

KAIZER Chiefs weathered the storm here last night to continue their cup dominance over Maritzburg United with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory in their Telkom Knockout last 16 clash.

Chiefs and Maritzburg had previously met on three occasions in cup competitions with Amakhosi winning all three, and this one was no exception as they emerged victorious yet again.

Amakhosi striker Mitchell Katsvairo raced through on goal in the second minute, but his shot was inches wide.

Chiefs could have paid a penalty in the 17th minute after Kgotso Moleko appeared to handle in the box but was lucky as the referee waved play on.

Katsvairo then combined with Hendrick Ekstein five minutes later, but the latter s shot went

’ over the bar.

The visitors had a chance in the 31st minute when debutant Luyanda Ntshangase rounded Eric Mathoho, but Itumeleng Khune had it covered and made a save to deny Maritzburg a lead.

Chiefs could have been punished three minutes later when George Lebese lost possession in the middle of the park and Maritzburg attacked through Denis Weidlich, but his attempt came off the post.

The second half was no different with chances created but missed.

Lebese tried from outside the box six minutes into the second stanza but saw his shot go wide.

The left-footed midfielder had a better chance just after the hour mark, but failed to fully connect with William Twala s cross.

’ Khune, on the other hand, made a great save to deny Weidlich from close range after a corner.

With five minutes of regulation time remaining, the floodlights went out at the stadium, which was probably caused by the adverse weather conditions.

Due to the lightning and thunder, the players were forced to go off the field with the match goalless.

And then it was the match commissioner s turn to allow play

’ to continue after assessing the situation and concluded that it was safe for the players to return to the field.

At this stage, Chiefs had been on the back foot despite showing early promise.

Once play resumed both teams continued to struggle to take their chances and the match eventually went to extra time, and then penalties.

Maritzburg duo of Kurt Lentjies and Deolin Mekoa missed their spot kicks while Chiefs converted all four to win 4-2 and progress to the last eight of the competition.

Meanwhile, Free State Stars beat Bidvest Wits 3-0, while SuperSport United won 1-0 against Ajax Cape Town.

& * " % ' + $$ , "& , # " ' % $$ ' - $ , $ " ./ # "% ' $ " ' ! # " ' "" ...