PIC: Renaldo Fox of Dondol Stars celebrates a goal

Gauteng ABC Motsepe League side Dondol Stars proved giant-killers again as they defeated DStv Premiership outfit AmaZulu 5-4 via penalties on Wednesday to book a place in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals.
Stars triumphed in the shoot-out after the teams played to a 1-1 draw, adding to the considerable scalp of SuperSport United they claimed in the Last 32 and making a rare foray for a third-tier side into the quarterfinals of South Africa’s most prestigious knockout competition.
Gabadinho Mhango missed for Usuthu in the shoot-out, his shot saved by former SuperSport development goalkeeper Sphamandla Gumede, who for the second round in a row put in a match-winning performance. 
AmaZulu largely dominated the encounter and would have had a more comfortable night had they not twice struck the woodwork.

First it was Mhango’s shot that crashed back off the post, before Ethan Brooks struck the crossbar in extra-time.
Stars held out well until 10 minutes into the second period but a wild clearance straight to an AmaZulu player allowed Rally Bwalya to run at the defence and lay the ball off for Pule Ekstein to score.
Ekstein’s goal was his first in competitive football since October 2020 when he netted for Azerbaijani side Sabail, and his first in South African football since a goal for Kaizer Chiefs against Cape Town City in the Nedbank Cup in March 2019.
But the joy would be short-lived as Stars equalised six minutes later with a goal that would take the game to extra-time.
Usuthu goalkeeper Jody February could not hold Revaldo Fox’s header from a corner, allowing the latter to poke the ball into the back of the net from the rebound.
It was February’s second game since last May, perhaps showing the risk in playing fringe players in Nedbank Cup games. They are not always match sharp, and you would think regular number one Veli Mothwa would have gobbled up initial save.
Both teams tired in extra-time and chances were at a premium, but Stars held their nerve superbly in the shoot-out, giving February no chance with any of their kicks.

2023 NEDBANK CUP LAST 16 FIXTURES/RESULTS

March 2
Marumo Gallants 1 (Pheko 33’) Mamelodi Sundowns 3 (Shalulile 8’, 25’, 74’)

March 8
Dondol Stars 1 (Fox 60’) AmaZulu 1 (Ekstein 54’)
After extra-time; Stars won 5-4 on penalties

March 10
19h30: Sekhukhune United vs Cape Town Spurs – Peter Mokaba Stadium

March 11
15h00: Chippa United vs Mpheni Home Defenders – Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

15h00: Lamontville Golden Arrows vs Royal AM – Princess Magogo Stadium

20h00: Orlando Pirates vs Venda Football Academy – Orlando Stadium

March 12
15h00: TS Galaxy vs Stellenbosch FC – Mbombela Stadium  

18h00: Kaizer Chiefs vs Casric Stars – FNB Stadium

TOURNAMENT STATS 

Matches Played: 18

Goals Scored: 56

Biggest Victory: Sekhukhune United 6 Liver Brothers 0 (February 8, Last 32)

Most Goals in a Game: 6 – Sekhukhune United 6 Liver Brothers 0 (February 8, Last 32)

GOALSCORERS 

5 goals – Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns)

2 – Rhulani Manzini (Venda Football Academy), Vusimuzi Mncube (Sekhukhune United), Kgomotso Mosadi (Casric Stars), Iqraam Rayners (Stellenbosch FC)

1 – Mumuni Abubakar (Casric Stars), Francis Baloyi (Polokwane City), Chumani Butsaka (Cape Town Spurs), Daniel Cardoso (Sekhukhune United), Ashley du Preez (Kaizer Chiefs), Siyabonga Dubula (Pretoria Callies), Kenneth Dupane (Tornado FC), Pule Ekstein (AmaZulu), Revaldo Fox (Dondol Stars), Michael Gumede (AmaZulu), Rodrick Kabwe (Sekhukhune United), Mario Katz (Tornado FC), Letsie Koapeng (Marumo Gallants), Mosa Lebusa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thembinkosi Lorch (Orlando Pirates), Sphiwe Mahlangu (TS Galaxy), Bonginkosi Makanya (Mpheni Home Defenders), Katleho Makateng (Richards Bay), Nkosephayo Mavundla (Mpheni Home Defenders), Gabadinho Mhango (AmaZulu), Relebogile Molefe (Dondol Stars), Kholofelo Monama (Dondol Stars), Therlo Moosa (Cape Town Spurs), Tashreeq Morris (Sekhukhune United), Judas Moseamedi (Marumo Gallants), Knox Mutizwa (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Siyabonga Nhlapo (SuperSport United), Siyabonga Nkosi (Casric Stars), Bongo Ntuli (AmaZulu), Chibuike Ohizu (Sekhukhune United), Boitumelo Pheko (Marumo Gallants), Masilake Phohlongo (TS Galaxy), Colin Ryan (Cape Town Spurs), Christian Saile (Kaizer Chiefs), Monnapule Saleng  (Orlando Pirates), Kagiso Selemela (Magesi FC), Nkateko Shilenge (Mpheni Home Defenders), Vusi Sibiya (Stellenbosch FC), Theko Thakho (FC Blackcross), Tebogo Thangwane (Marumo Gallants), Nkanyiso Zungu (Richards Bay)
Own goal – Kamogelo Mogaswa (Pretoria Callies), Bulelani Nikani (Polokwane City)