South Africa’s MTN 8 Cup got off to a thrilling start on Saturday with Golden Arrows and Swallows FC emerging victorious in their quarterfinal matchups against SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates respectively. Knox Mutizwa converted a penalty kick early in the second half for Golden Arrows before Ghampani Lungu equalized for SuperSport to send their tie into extra time, where Iqraam Rayners’s goal appeared to have won it for SuperSport before a late equalizer from Michael Gumede sent the match into penalty kicks. Rayners and Teboho Mokoena missed for SuperSport to set up Gumede’s tie winning spot kick to send Arrows through to the semifinals.
Ruzaigh Gamildien’s spectacular performances last season have not led to the big time move the striker desired, but Gamildien maintained his form on the pitch to dispatch a wonderful free kick in the 16th minute of Swallows FC’s 2-1 victory over Pirates. The 32-year-old then took advantage of sloppy play in the back to chip the second goal in seven minutes later with Pirates keeper Richard Ofori caught out after turning the ball over in a costly position. A 30th minute Kabelo Dlamini penalty kick was the only response the Sea Robbers could muster as Swallows came out winners to book their spot in the semifinals.
Mamelodi Sundowns take on Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu square off against Cape Town City for Sunday’s matchups. Highlights from Saturday’s action are below.
Golden Arrows 2-2 SuperSport United (Golden Arrows advance 4-3 via PK’s)
Golden Arrows v SuperSport United Penalty Kick Shootout
Swallows FC 2-1 Orlando Pirates