Royal AM stage two-goal comeback to reach Cup semifinals
Substitute Mfundo Thikazi won it for Royal AM in referee’s optional time
Zukile Mkhize of Royal AM FC takes a shot to test the defence of Bulelani Cola of University of Pretoria FC during the 2022 Nedbank Cup Quarterfinal match at Chatsworth Stadium in Durban on Sunday. (Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix)
Royal AM came back from two goals down to beat University of Pretoria 3-2 in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals at the Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
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AmaTuks almost had the perfect start to the game when Sanele Barns found himself through on goals in the first minute of the match, but Hugo Nyame made a good save to deny him.
The Pretoria side continued to pile the pressure on Royal AM and were awarded for the efforts in the 19th minute when Wonderboy Makhubu headed home a Malesela Chokoe cross,
Makhubu was to grab his brace eight minutes later when he drove home a shot from close range after Thwihli Thwahla failed to clear their lines.
Royal AM’s first real chance of the match fell to Mxolisi Macuphu in the 40th minute, but his acrobatic volley was saved by Dumisani Msibi.
The game remained 2-0 in favour of the visitors at the half-time break.
Thwihli Thwala came out with guns blazing in the second half and they pinned AmaTuks in their own half.
With AmaTuks defending with 10 men and the pitch being wet, mistakes were bound to happen and the first error was made by the goalkeeper Msibi, who fouled Victor Letsoalo. Letsoalo got up and converted the penalty kick.
Letsoalo completed his brace and made it 2-2 for the home side in the 79th minute.
Substitute Mfundo Thikazi then won it for Royal AM in referee’s optional time, tapping in a cross from Sedwyn George.
Royal AM will now meet Mamelodi Sundowns in the semifinals after the draw was made after the match at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday.
