In the 11th minute, Pirates' Dikgang Mabalane had only Golden Arrows goalkeeper Helton da Rocha to beat but he wasted the golden opportunity. Da Rocha watched as Rooi Mahamutsa's header from Andile Jali's long range free-kick against the upright a few minutes later. Hard running Arrows never let go of attack and the Sea Robbers depended counter-attacking play only for Chiukepo Msowoya and Mabalane to fluff.
A minute after the interval, Lucky Lekgwathi scored the only goal when the Bucs exploited some slack marking from the home side during a set piece. The Jali free kick was badly dealt with by the Arrows defence, but they did not let the goal sup their energies, though with creating much goal scoring opportunity.
Mamelodi Sundowns came from a heartbreaking disallowed 21st minute goal by Nyasha Mushekwi to win it 1-0 against a fine display by Stars. Mushekwi was not to be denied with 10 minutes to go, with some individual brilliance. Bafana striker, Katlego Mphela should really have scored in the 70th minute. Elias Pelembe nicely put him through in some space with a fine ball into the 18-yard area, but from about ten yards out, he ballooned his effort. Both teams advanced into the quarter-finals.
Kaizer Chiefs were easy winners as they beat helpless Amazulu as Abia Nale and Reneiloe Lethsolonyane scored minutes before half-time. In a change of fortunes, for once Chiefs were not dependent on Knowledge Musona for their goals. In the second half, they retreated too much inviting Usuthu midfield to participate in offensive moves more often and regularly in large numbers.
The Glamour Boys could have iced the match in the last minutes, had Musona been more clinical. The goalkeeper also performed well as he blocked very threatening serious attempts with his feet. Chiefs will cherish the chance to face Pirates and avenge the MTN-8 loss in the semi-final.
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