Defending Champions Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns booked their places in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals with victories in their respective Round of 16 fixtures on Tuesday night.
Pirates defeated Milford FC 3-0 at the Orlando Amstel Arena, while Chiefs recorded an identical scoreline against TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium. Sundowns also progressed after edging Marumo Gallants 1-0.
At Orlando Amstel Arena, Thapelo Mokobodi opened the scoring in the 16th minute following a quick attacking move by the Buccaneers.
Tshepang Moremi then took centre stage, scoring in the 35th minute before completing his brace on the stroke of half-time. The forward’s second goal took his tally for the campaign to seven.
Pirates maintained their attacking dominance after the break but could not extend their lead, while Milford struggled to find a way back into the contest.
At FNB Stadium, Chiefs had to wait until the second half to break the deadlock against Galaxy. Wandile Duba opened the scoring in the 48th minute after a combination between Mduduzi Shabalala and Pule Mmodi.
Duba doubled his tally in the 62nd minute, converting the rebound after goalkeeper Melusi Mathebula saved Mfundo Vilakazi’s penalty. The striker completed his hat-trick four minutes later, finishing a through ball from Shabalala to seal a comfortable victory for Amakhosi.
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Meanwhile, Sundowns secured their quarter-final place with a narrow 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants. Siyanda Ndlovu scored the decisive goal as the defending champions kept their hopes of retaining the trophy alive.
The three sides joined Sekhukhune United, AmaZulu FC, Siwelele FC and Golden Arrows in the quarter-finals.
The final Round of 16 fixture between Durban City and Stellenbosch FC will determine the last quarter-finalist, with the draw scheduled for Wednesday evening.
Sundowns’ victory came after their disappointing CAF Champions League exit against Angola’s Wiliete SC, with Siyanda Ndlovu scoring in the 20th minute following a pass from Iqraam Rayners. The Brazilians held on to their narrow advantage to reach the last eight. The Citizen +1