Defending champions SuperSport United Football Club have booked a place in the 2020 MTN8 Cup semifinal.
This is after Matsatsantsa beat newcomers TTM FC in a five-goal-thriller at the Thohoyandou Stadium in Venda on Saturday afternoon.
Although United drew first blood through forward Bradley Grobler from close range after a great assist from Ghampani Lungu in the 8th minute, it was the home side who nearly registered an early lead from the boot of Celimpilo Ngema four minutes into the first half.
Matsatsantsa created some more scoring opportunities as they were finding it hard in the hot summer Saturday in the far north.
Forwards Thami Gabuza and debutant Iqraam Rayners combined well as they were searching to increase the lead.
In the 24th minutes the referee blew for Water-Break.
Three minutes after the break Lungu assisted for the second time as he unleashed a beautiful delivery to Rayners who got his maiden goal for United with a well anticipated strike into the top corner and doubled Matsatsantsa’s lead.
In the 32nd minute Gabuza and Jamie Webber’s beautiful combination put Lungu through and the Zambian international netted United’s third strike.
The score was 3-0 to United.
Three minutes before halftime ex-United player Mogakolodi Ngele released a cracking strike to pull one back for the home side.
United resumed the match with double substitution at the beginning of the second half as Grant Kekana and Thami Gabuza made way for Keenan Phillips and Lucky Mohomi respectively.
United resumed with the same attitude after losing concentration as TTM scored their first strike in the dying minutes of the first half.
The visitors were unlucky as Lungu’s close range header was saved by TTM’s Mhlongo.
Subsequently, Matsatsantsa got another opportunity to extend the lead as Mokoena‘s effort went wide.
In the 56th minute Ngele completed his brace after a well taken corner-kick by Shonga as United’s defence failed to deal with the set-piece.
The score was 3-2 to Matsatsantsa.
TTM put some more tremendous pressure to United, looking to level matters after scoring their second goal.
In the 66th Webber cleared a dangerous ball after a scramble in the box.
Four minutes later Williams made a super save after a point blank range from Shonga’s shot
In the 76th TTM captain Nonyane’s header went across the face of the goals after receiving a beautiful delivery from Shonga.
In the referee’s additional time, Lamola nearly levelled matters after receiving a beautiful pass on the right
The final score was 3-2 to United.
