Nedbank Cup wrap: Sundowns stunned, Pirates squeeze through

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Apr 15, 2023. 20:15

Saturday’s action in South Africa’s Nedbank Cup saw the all-conquering Mamelodi Sundowns dumped out of the competition at the quarterfinal stage by Stellenbosch FC, while Orlando Pirates squeezed past lower league opponents.

The headlined result was Stellenbosch’s come-from-behind triumph over Sundowns (who have already secured the domestic league title) at the Athlone Stadium in the early evening.

‘Downs were 1-0 up at half-time thanks to an own goal from Stellies goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt (who was unlucky to deflect a rebound off the crossbar into his own net), but the visitors committed two poor defensive errors early in the second half and Iqraam Rayners ruthlessly capitalised on both, netting in the 48th and 57th minutes to secure a 2-1 triumph.

The afternoon match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium saw ABC Motsepe League club Dondol Stars almost claim a third top-flight scalp (following their wins over SuperSport United and AmaZulu in the two previous rounds), as they took heavyweights Orlando Pirates all the way to penalties.

The teams ended 1-1 after extra time, with the Buccaneers’ opener from Thembinkosi Lorch quickly cancelled out by Tebogo Makungo. Yet Dondol’s Whitehead Nameka was the only player to miss a spot kick in the shootout, with Pirates emerging 5-4 victors and booking a spot in the final four.

The Nedbank Cup quarterfinals will wrap up on Sunday 16 April with Chippa United v Sekhukhune United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, followed by Royal AM v Kaizer Chiefs at Chatsworth Stadium.

Nedbank Cup results, Saturday 15 April

Dondol Stars 1-1 Orlando Pirates – After extra time, Pirates won 5-4 on penalties

Stellenbosch FC 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns