Golden Arrows needed extra-time to book their spot in the Nedbank Cup last 16 after rallying from behind to defeat Pretoria Callies 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.
Nedbank Cup
Result: Golden Arrows 2-1 Pretoria Callies
Date: 11 February 2023
Venue: Princes Magogo Stadium
Arrows made four changes following their loss against Royal AM, as there were debuts for goalkeeper Siyabonga Mbatha, Daniel Mjengu, Sazi Gumbi and a rare start for Siyabonga Khumalo.
The game got off to a frantic start and Callies were awarded a penalty on 15 minutes after Lungelo Dube committed a foul in the box. Siyabonga Dubula gave the Romans the lead from the spot after sending Mbatha the wrong way.
Kwanele Kopo's charges pressed Abafana Bes'thende high up the pitch and did not allow them time and space on the ball to build-up their play.
However, the home side found their passing rhythm in the latter phase of the first stanza and threatened in front of goal but they were indecisive, as they went to the interval a goal down.
Arrows needed a piece of fortune coming from the break as they levelled matters five minutes in after Kamogelo Mogaswa deflected Pule Mmodi's cross at the near post into his own net.
The hosts gained momentum after that and threatened to go ahead as Knox Mutizwa forced a save out shot-stopper Edward Maova with a goal-bound header after a cross by Mjengu.
Arrows made a tactical and attacking change in the dying minutes as Ryan Moon replaced Khumalo and Moon almost snatched the winner in stoppage time with a header that was smothered by Maova as the game went to extra-time after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Abafana Bes'thende took their momentum to the first period of extra-time as they put Callies under pressure and peppered shots at goal that were dealt with by Maova.
Arrows eventually took the lead with seven minutes to go after Mutizwa fired a well-executed free-kick from the edge of the box into the top corner at the near post.
The game stretched from end to end in the dying minutes, as the Romans were desperate to force the game to penalties but Abafana Bes'thende had better openings and despite not putting the game to bed, they managed to hold on to book their spot in the last 16.
Here's how they lined up:
Golden Arrows: Mbatha, Cele, Mantshiyane, Hlatshwayo, Mjengu, Dube, Gumbi, Khumalo, Mmodi, Lunga, Mutizwa
Subs: Gumede, Ndlovu, Magawana, Magubane, Nkosi, Moon, Fikizolo
Pretoria Callies: Maova, Georgiades, Mogaswa, Ismail, Noge, Kwayiba, Mbatha, Dubula, Menziwa, Jacobs, Mthembu
Subs: Ncube, Appollis, Mbidana, Ralenkoane, Luthuli, Nkwe, Sebone, Moloi, Raphadu
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