SuperSport United became the first team to book a place in the quarterfinals of the 2024-25 Nedbank Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over Cape Town Spurs at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday night.
Cape Town Spurs Take Early Lead
The Motsepe Foundation Championship side, Cape Town Spurs, proved to be a tough opponent for their top-flight hosts, making them work hard for the win. Spurs took an early lead in the fifth minute when Therlo Moosa showcased his skill with a brilliant solo goal. Cutting inside from the right, he fired a left-footed shot past SuperSport goalkeeper Ricardo Goss at the near post to put the visitors ahead.
SuperSport Respond with Equaliser
Despite conceding early, SuperSport gradually settled into the match, dominating possession and testing Spurs’ defence. Around the 20-minute mark, Spurs’ goalkeeper Neil Boshoff was forced into two outstanding saves—denying Aphiwe Baliti’s free-kick and Nyiko Mobbie’s header from a corner. However, Boshoff could do little to stop Ime Okon’s equaliser in the 36th minute. After Spurs failed to clear a free-kick into their penalty area, Okon pounced, volleying home from close range to bring the game level at 1-1 before halftime.
Missed Chances and Stalemate
SuperSport continued to apply pressure in the second half, with Baliti delivering a perfect cross in the 56th minute for Samir Nurkovic, who failed to direct his header on target. Both sides made tactical substitutions, with Spurs introducing experienced defender Nazeer Allie and SuperSport bringing on Terrence Dzvukamanja and Oratilwe Moloisane to strengthen their attack.
Despite sustained pressure, SuperSport were unable to find a breakthrough. Mobbie’s long-range shot in the 72nd minute was saved by Boshoff, who was again called into action in the dying moments of regular time, rushing off his line to deny Moloisane and send the game into extra time.
Lebohang Maboe’s Late Winner in Extra Time
With penalties looming, SuperSport United finally found the decisive goal in the penultimate minute of extra time. Moloisane made a brilliant run down the left wing before cutting the ball back to Lebohang Maboe, who unleashed a stunning strike from the edge of the box to seal the win for SuperSport.
SuperSport coach Gavin Hunt expressed relief after the game, praising his side’s fighting spirit. “Good performance again, going a goal down and fighting … They got a lot of experience on their side, they got a lot of guys that played a lot of football, a lot of them played for me,” he told SuperSportTV.
SuperSport United March On
SuperSport’s victory ensured their progression in the Nedbank Cup, but the challenge posed by Cape Town Spurs highlighted the competitive nature of South African football. While Spurs exit the competition, they can take pride in their spirited performance against top-flight opposition. Meanwhile, SuperSport will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their pursuit of silverware.
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