Downs yield to Baroka
The underdogs emerge winners
It was unexpected because Baroka were facing problems in their technical team.
But Bakgaga managed to thrash Mamelodi Sundowns 20 against all odds in the Telkom Knockout quarterfinal match at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane yesterday.
Prior to the clash, head coach Wedson Nyirenda was forced to head to Zambia because of a family bereavement and as if that wasn’t enough, stand-in coach Matsemela Thoka was involved in a car accident.
Thoka took his place on the bench to avert a crisis for Bakgaga as he faced a former Caf Champions League winner in Pitso Mosimane. It was the little-known coach who emerged triumphant.
Captain on the day was Mduduzi Mdantsane. He led by example by slotting home a penalty to give the Limpopo side a 1-0 lead in the first half, with the second goal coming after ’Downs keeper Reyaad Pieterse pushed the ball into his own net. The goal came after a deflection by Mosa Lebusa in the second half, giving Baroka their biggest win in a cup competition.
Without Nyirenda, Sundowns were expected to prove too much for the boys from GaMphahlele, but it all turned out differently.
While Sundowns boasted the likes of Andile Jali and Tiyani Mabunda in the centre of the park, it was the likes of Mdantsane on the opposite end who impressed.
Sundowns started well, but Lebusa was adjudged to have handled in the box in the 21st minute by referee Victor Gomes, who pointed to the spot. Mdantsane then stepped up to fire home.
Jali’s sublime pass about 10 minutes later couldn’t find Toni Silva and Baroka held on to their lead heading into the break.
The Brazilians looked to start the second half well. Silva was taken off on the hour mark and Jeremy Brockie was introduced, but just seven minutes later disaster struck for Sundowns, with Pieterse failing to make a save, thereafter pushing the ball into his own net.
It was difficult for the visitors to bounce back despite sending in pacey players Phakamani Mahlambi and Aubrey Ngoma from the bench. Ngoma tried from distance, but Elvis Chipezeze was unbeatable.
Baroka did score towards the end, but the goal was disallowed for offside. They had done enough though to reach the semifinals.
■ Orlando Pirates thrashed AmaZulu 3-1 in the Telkom Knockout Cup quarterfinal match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban last night
Thembinkosi Lorch beat Siyabonga Mbatha in the 36th minute when he scored with a low shot to make it 1-0 to Pirates after being sent through by Vincent Pule.
However Usuthu responded with a goal as Bongi Ntuli headed home to equalise for AmaZulu in the 39th minute, with the Pirates defence caught ball watching.
It took only three minutes into extra time for Xola Mlambo to restore the visitors’ lead as he scored with a low shot to make it 2-1 to Pirates. Lorch scored with a powerful shot to make it 3-1 to the visitors in the 107th minute, sealing Pirates’ 3-1 win in extra-time.
■ Other Telkom KO results
Maritzburg United 1 , Bidvest Wits 2.