Nedbank Cup Last 32 Report AmaZulu v Highlands Park 25 January 2019

Highlands Park progressed to the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup after beating AmaZulu 3-1 on penalties at King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday evening.   Usuthu were relishing the opportunity of the change of scenery after losing two of their last three games in the league.   Cavin Johnson fielded his strongest line-up, making only two changes from their last outing against Kaizer Chiefs. Samuel Darpoh and Phumlani Gumede got starts, while Owen Da Gama made wholesale changes to the regular line-up that played against the Brazilians three days ago.   The match was fairly open in the early stages and the sides got their chances but the two goalkeepers, Siyabonga Mbatha and Marlon Heugh were alert.   Mothobi Mvala had an opportunity to grab the lead for the visitors in the 21st minute after latching on a loose ball inside the box but his attempted curler sailed over the bar.   However, Johnson's charges were awarded a penalty in the 34th minute after Darpoh was brought down inside the box. Argentinian Emiliano Tade netted from the spot-kick to make it 1-0.   Da Gama's men equalised four minutes before the break as defender Ryan Rae  powered home a well executed header at the back post following a corner.   Six minutes into the second half, Marc Van Heerden came very close to restoring the lead for the hosts with well hit free-kick from 25-yards out that crashed against the crossbar.   Johnson made his first change in the 69th minute as midfielder Jabulani Ncobeni came on for Tade, while Da Gama made an attacking change a minute later, as Tendai Ndoro came on for midfielder Sabelo Nyembe.   The pace of the game was going down ten minutes before time as both set of players looked tired after playing in a wet pitch.   However, there were chances especially for Highlands in the closing stages of regulation time to steal the game but neither side could find the winner and they went to extra time.   Mhlengi Cele had a wonderful opportunity to net a late winner for Usuthu in the last three minutes of extra time after going clear on the right side of the box but he guided his shot wide.   Highlands were reduced to ten men in stoppage time of extra time after Sello Motsepe picked up his second yellow card and was sent off.   The red-card was inconsequential as the sides went to penalties almost immediately thereafter, where Highlands held their nerve to triump after Usuthu could only score one penalty.   Other result:   In Friday's earlier match, ten-man Cape Umoya United defeated Tshwane University of Technology at the Athlone Stadium.  

AmaZulu: Mbatha, M.Gumede, Van Heerden, P. Gumede, Nyongo, Morton, Darpoh, Vilakazi, Karuru, Tade, Ntuli.
Subs: Josephs, Sikhakhane, Ouro-Akoriko, Maduna, Ramphela, Ncobeni, Cele.   Highlands: Heugh, Mokoena, Rae, Msimango, Ramoraka, Motsepe, Mahlangu, Mvala, Mogaila, Shalulile, Nyembe.   Subs: Kapini, Sibande, Haoseb, Williams, Mbunjana, Allie, Ndoro.