On Sunday night, Royal AM advanced to the Nedbank Cup round of 16 after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Cape Town City.
The match took place at the DHL Stadium, with both sides looking for a victory. In the first half, both teams had chances to take the lead, with Tebogo Potsane coming close for City, hitting the post in the 23rd minute.
Just after the half-hour mark, Mduduzi Mdantsane also had a chance but guided his shot narrowly wide. The second half saw both teams come out with more intent to take the lead, with Shadrack Kobedi coming close for Royal AM after his shot was parried off the line by City goalkeeper Bongani Mpandle.
City introduced Taahir Goedeman just after the hour-mark and Royal AM looked to get on the front foot with 21 minutes to go after they brought on strikers Ruzaigh Gamildien and Sedwyn George.
NedbankCup results today
– AmaZulu 3-2 Tornado FC
– Mkhambathi 0-4 Casric Stars
– TS Galaxy 2-0 Amavarara
– Cape Town City 0-0 Royal AM (Royal AM 4-3 on penalties) pic.twitter.com/Ewue10YoF6— Sinethemba Sithole – Journo (@Sinethembah_) February 12, 2023
Goedeman had a big chance in stoppage time after he latched onto a through ball in the box but his shot lacked power and was smothered by goalkeeper Hugo Nyame, as extra-time was required. In extra-time, City added fresh legs in their front line as Khanyisa Mayo and Luke Daniels entered the park.
Mayo almost sealed it for City in the tail end with a shot that rattled the crossbar. In the penalty shoot-out, Nyame was the hero for Royal AM after he saved Lorenzo Gordinho and Mayo’s penalties to inspire Thwihli Thwahla to a 4-3 win.
