Mikhado FC secured a place in the provincial semifinal stage of the Nedbank Cup, following their 2-1 victory over Madridtas FC at the Rabali Stadium on Saturday.
As if they were going to bury Mikhado alive, Madridtas were the first to find the net. It took them only five minutes to stamp their authority. Their right winger, Thendo Mathobo, forced his way through the defence of Mikhado and unleashed a powerful ground cutter. The ball hit the woodwork and landed across the goal line.
Mikhado gained momentum with time. A defender of Madridtas handled the ball within his own penalty box. That prompted the referee to award a penalty to Mikhado. Akani Maluleke blasted in a rocket from the penalty spot to level matters.
Mikhado effected change to their starting 11 in the 28th minute. Isani Neluheni sustained a knee injury and was replaced with Lucky Masutha. Masutha formed a deadly combination with Ndivhuwo Havhi and Witness Mathebula at the forefront.
Mikhado took the lead in the 34th minute. Witness Mathebula tried his luck with a volley. The keeper of Madridtas, Rudzani Mmbengeni, watched helplessly as the ball went beyond his reach. Vhutshilo Netshivhazwaulu of Mikhado was reprimanded with a card for faking injury in the 68th minute.
Madridtas took the game to the home side in the last 15 minutes of the game, but it was difficult for their strikers to break through Mikhado's wall of defenders.