Nedbank Cup: TTM humble Leopards to reach semis

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Mar 14, 2021. 20:10

Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) brushed aside Black Leopards 2-0 in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday evening.

The win saw Tshakhuma secure their place in the semi-finals, while their Limpopo rivals Leopards crashed out of the South African FA Cup.

Vhadau Vha Damani controlled the match from the first whistle and they should have opened the scoring 12 minutes into the encounter.

An unmarked Mogakolodi Ngele headed over the crossbar from close range after connecting with Lebohang Mabotja’s delightful cross.

Lidoda Duvha did threaten 10 minutes later when Onyedikachi Ononogbu’s volleyed effort was brilliant saved by goalkeeper Washington Arubi.

Tshakhuma continued to launch attacks after the half-hour mark and Leopards goalkeeper King Ndlovu produced a magnificent one-handed save to deny Lerato Lamola in the 34th minute.

Ndlovu was then beaten seven minutes before half-time when Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo blocked Tsepo Matsimbi’s poor clearance, before scoring to make it 1-0 to Tshakhuma.

Leopards had a chance to level matters on the stroke of half-time, but Arubi pulled off a wonderful diving save to deny Edwin Gyimah and Tshakhuma were 1-0 up at the interval.

Ngele, who was hungry for goals against his former club, Leopards, hit the crossbar with a powerful long-range shot with Ndlovu well-beaten a minute into the second-half.

Rodney Ramagalela was introduced by Leopards on the hour-mark as coach Kostadin Papic’s side looked to level matters, but hosts were left vulnerable at the back when they pushed forward.

Lamola was sent through on goal in the 67th minute, but Ndlovu, who was alert in the hosts’ goal-posts, came out to deny the former Lamontville Golden Arrows striker.

The visitors were awarded a penalty with nine minutes left after Lamola was fouled in the box by Gyimah and Alfred Ndengane then scored from the spot-kick to make it 2-0 to Tshakhuma.

Ndengane’s third goal in as many competitive matches sealed Tshakhuma’s 2-0 victory over Leopards on the night.

Leopards (0) 0

Tshakhuma (1) 2 (Ndlondlo 38′, Ndengane 83′)

Leopards: Ndlovu, Makobela, Mashoene, Matsimbi (Masia 43′), Gyimah, Makgetlwa, Mthethwa, Ononogbu (Ndlovu 79′), Anas, Hlongwane (Ramagalela 60′), Karuru.

Tshakhuma: Arubi, Lukhubeni, Ndengane, Mabotja (Thopola 87′), Nonyane, Madhananga (Manaka 69′), Ngele (Mphambaniso 69′), Mnyamane, Lamola (Nevhulamba 87′), Timm, Ndlondlo (Rakhale 87′).