IT was not pretty but effective for holders SuperSport United as they booked their passage into Nedbank Cup last 16 round.
Knockout football is not always pretty as it is all about the results and it was the same case for Matsatsantsa a Pitori.
They didn’t play that well but managed to get the result to win the match.
The defending champions laboured to a 2-1 victory against National First Division outfit Royal Eagles at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg last night.
It was not the type of football that coach Stuart Baxter will be proud off, but he will be happy to see his team progress to the next round. Eagles gave Matsatsantsa a run for their money as they pushed them hard.
But there was confusion as Eagles late free-kick by Katlego Mphela was disallowed eight minutes from time. It was supposed to an indirect kick but it was taken direct and the hosts were left bitterly disappointed. Mzandile Dlamini had cancelled Thabo Mnyamane’s early goal in the first half.
Jeremy Brockie broke Eagles hearts with a late headed goal 15 minutes from time. Matsatsantsa a Pitori defeated Orlando Pirates 3-2 in a five goal thriller at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on the last day of last season to win the biggest knockout cup competition on the continent.
Baxter is the only coach to have won the Ke Yona trophy with two different clubs Matsatsantsa and Kaizer Chiefs.
They are strong favourites to win the Premiership title and they are heavily tipped to retain the Ke Yona trophy. Eagles, who are coached by former Pirates, mentor Kosta Papic, are challenging for the second division title.
It is the two teams’ first official meeting in the competition. Matsatsantsa have won this competition four times, while Eagles have never gone the first round stages.
Eagles hammered Santos 4-1 in their previous league game, while Matsatsantsa a Pitori shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw with Pirates in their last outing. Papic made nine changes to the team that thrashed Santos, while Baxter made just one change from their last game.
Other results: Platinum Stars 3 AmaZulu 2; Chippa United 1 Witbank Spurs 0; Cape Town All Stars 0 Bidvest Wits 2
