Cape Town City scored twice during extra time to beat Bloemfontein Celtic 2-0 at the Cape Town Stadium and secure a place in the quarterfinals of the Telkom Knockout.
City winger Sibusiso Masina gave City the much needed opener after 115th minutes, while Celtic defender Kabelo Mahlasela scored an own goal two minutes later to put matters beyond their reach.
City coach Eric Tinkler was spot on that the competition will help ignite their performance in the league where they have been inconsistent with two draws, two defeats, and two victories despite occupying the sixth spot on the Absa Premiership table..
City bounced back from a 1-0 league defeat to rookies Baroka FC at the same venue at the weekend. The home side played without key striker Lehlohonolo Majoro due to throat infection, while striker Judas Moseamedi had the nod after he missed the clash against Baroka.
Tinkler made a few changes to the side that disappointed him in front of their fans as he also gave veteran defender Robyn Johannes the nod to add stability in defence in front of his home crowd.
On the other hand, Celtic were hoping to repeat the form that saw them lift the trophy in 2012. The Free State side approached the match with their heads held high having registered their first league win of the season following a 1-0 win over Platinum Stars to ease pressure on coach Serame Letsoaka. Letsoaka’s charges had lost twice and also drawn one league game this season. This was the first cup meeting between the two teams.
City dominated the first half with swift touches using the width of the pitch to launch their attacks. Celtic defended deep in their own half allowing City more possession of the ball, but the home side hardly troubled goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb.
Celtic gained momentum after the break pressing City in their half in search of the opener. But it seems the visitors left their scoring boots at home as their finishing was not up to scratch.
Celtic suffered a huge blow during extra time when defender Tshepo Rikhotso was sent off for a second bookable offense.
Masina broke the stalemate when he beat Tignyemb with a low shot from inside the penalty box, while Mahlasela scored an own goal in a bid to clear Nodada’s goal bound shot to safety.
