Posted in News on Mar 13, 2005.
The much-anticipated clash hardly lived up to it’s billing as both teams seemed to play for a Castle Premiership point, when a winner was destined to prevail from this cup tie, which produced no goals in regulation time.
Wits goalkeeper Wayne Roberts produced a man-of-the-match performance as he pulled off numerous saves in the dying minutes of extra-time, as the Amakhosi pressured the visitor’s steady defence.
Roberts’ also saved Tinashe Nengomashe’s spot kick, but it was Patrick Mabedi, who missed the target, who gave Wits the ticket to the next round.
Chiefs started with three attacking midfielders, namely John 'Shoes' Moshoeu, Gerald Sibeko and Jabulani Mendu, making his first start in this season. However, it was Cyril Nzama who threatened the Wits goal after 10 minutes when Mendu released the right-back, who foraged into the 18-yard area, but who was unble to control the dreadlocked player’s telling pass.
The first stanza was played at a steady pace, with Amakhosi dominating the possession and the Clever Boys content with patient counter-attacks led by Reagan Noble, who was too often muscled off the ball by his opponents.
After 24 minutes Zambian striker Collins Mbesuma showed his expertise when he turned on the edge of the area and, with a slight gap in front of him, fired at Roberts, who parried the ball and then cleared it for a corner as Arthur Zwane approached unmarked from the right.
Rowen Fernandez was hardly tested as Fabian McCarthy and his captain Mabedi had the better of Sipho Mngomezulu and Alois Bunjira.
The last act of action in the half was Isaac Mabotsa receiving a yellow card, in the 44th minute, for a robust challenge on Sibeko.
In the second half the hosts came out with more purpose. The veteran Moshoeu, who had a quiet first half, forced Roberts to make a good save after five minutes as he breached the stubborn Wits defence.
On the other end, and closer to the end of the 90 minutes, Noble tested Fernandez who saved the shot and then had to follow-up as the danger was not cleared. The former Wits number one just deflected the ball out of the path of an on-rushing Mngomezulu and his defence then cleared the danger.
As time ran out it became clear that the Clever Boys were aiming for the dreaded penalty shoot-out, as neither side could find the back of the net.
In extra-time Mbesuma, Moshoeu and Howard Mbambo - the latter had the best chance - threatened to score but Roberts was equal to the task and made excellent saves. Mbambo outran the Wits' defenders and, with only the keeper to beat, had his shot saved by Roberts' stretched leg.
Nzama, arguably the most industrious player on the day, also had a chance to give his team the lead but the right-back's low drive was kept out by the Wits goalie, whose defence was slowly crumbling around him.
Fernandez kept out Gareth Devine's spot kick by diving to his right and it seemed the Students were crashing out of yet another tournament via penalties. Nevertheless, Bunjira, Peter Rabolelo, Elasto Kapowezha and Yohane beat the former Wits keeper.
Mbesuma and Gerald Sibeko beat Roberts but his save off Nengomasha and the miss by Mabedi ultimately gave victory to their city rivals.
Wits join Orlando Pirates, Santos, SuperSport United, Dynamos, Mamelodi Sundowns, Bush Bucks and defending Absa Cup champions Moroka Swallows in the quarterfinals.
Starting line-ups:
Chiefs: Fernandez, Nzama, Mabedi, McCarthy, Kubheka, Zwane, Nengomasha, Mendu, Sibeko, Moshoeu, Mbesuma
Wits: Roberts, Mabotsa, Mouyouma, Rabolelo, Qaba, Greyling, Noble, Yohane, Ferriera , Bunjira, Mngomezulu
