Sekhukhune United booked their spot in the Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinals after beating Richards Bay FC 3-1 at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday evening.
Babina Noko dominated the proceedings in the early exchanges of the encounter, with the visitors happy to sit back and soak the pressure.
The first chance of the match came in the 3rd minute when Chibuku Ohizu was through on goal but was unable to bring the ball under control as the chance went begging.
Sekhukhune defender Samba O’Neil received the first yellow card of the encounter after a reckless challenge on Richards Bay captain Moses Mthembu on the 20th minute.
Babina Noko came close to breaking the deadlock midway through the first half after Tshepo Mokoena raced to the byline to pick out Ohizu on the box who was unable to keep his header on target.
Sekhukhune United goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi did not have much to do in the first opening 45 minutes as the Natal Rich Boyz did not pose much threat going forward.
ALSO READ: AmaZulu Edge Kruger United to Advance in Carling Knockout
However, Sekhukhune wasted no time in the second half as they managed to find the breakthrough in the first seven minutes after the break through Chibuku Ohizu, who fired past on rushing Otieno on the 52nd minute.
Second half substitute Mcedi Vandala looked lively on his cameo as he was denied his first goal in Babina Noko colours by Ian Otieno in the 55th minute as they looked to double their lead.
The visitors had to wait until the 79th minute to create their real opening of the encounter through their marksman Nqaba Xulu, whose effort sailed over the bar.
Sekhukhune sealed the win through their second-half substitute Thabang Makhubo in the 83rd minute after he dribbled past a couple of challenges, including the on-rushing goalkeeper Ian Otieno, before firing to an empty net.
ALSO READ: Mosimane announces Bafana prelim squad for kenya Double Header
Richards Bay immediately capitalized on Sekhukhune United defensive error to pull one back through their on-form striker Nqaba Xulu in the 84th minute.
Papi Zothwane inspired second half substitutes once again paid dividends as Namibian hitman Bathuel Muzeu came off the bench to find the back of the net in the 88th minute to put this tie beyond doubt.
Babina Noko becomes the fourth side after Golden Arrows, Siwelele FC, and AmaZulu to book their place in the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout Cup.
Nigerian striker Chibuku Ohizu walked away with R100,000 after being voted the Champion Player of the match by the fans.