Cape Town City advanced to the next round of the Nedbank Cup after claiming a 2-0 win over SuperSport United on Saturday evening, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.
Benni McCarthy’s side came into this game on a five game unbeaten run in all competitions and most recently claimed a 5-0 win over Free State Stars in the Absa Premiership last week.
Meanwhile, Kaitano Tembo’s men returned to winning ways after securing a 2-1 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic in the league last weekend.
The two sides previously met in the MTN8 final earlier this season, with the Citizens triumphing on penalties.
The game got off to a slow start with both teams trying to find their rhythm in the match.
However, SuperSport had the first attempt of the game after 10 minutes, but Bradley Grobler saw his header directed straight to City keeper Peter Leeuwenburgh.
The visitors started to look dangerous going forward with Teboho Mokoena nearly handing SuperSport the lead in the 17th minute, but the talented midfielder blazed his effort wide of the target.
At the other end, City had a chance of their own when Gift Links linked up with Zukile Kewuti on the left before firing his effort wide of goal.
Matthew Rusike should have broke the deadlock on the half hour mark, but the striker failed to guide his header on target from a resulting corner.
However, it was the home side who took the lead after 35 minutes of play when Thato Mokeke latched on to a ball by Ayanda Patosi before his header found the back of the net.
The Citizens managed to hold on to their lead as the game went into the break 1-0 in favour of the home team.
The home side came out guns blazing in the second half and doubled their lead early on when Thamsanqa Mkhize slotted the ball home after confusion in the box by SuperSport.
Grobler had a golden opportunity to reduce the deficit in the 68th minute when he was caught one-on-one with Leeuwenburgh, but instead of taking his chance the SuperSport striker looked to pass the ball, only for the City defenders to clear the ball to safety.
Dean Furman came close to reducing the deficit in the 79th minute when he unleashed a strike from distance, but his effort sailed wide of the target.
City pressed forward in the closing stages of the game as they went in search of a goal to put the game to bed, while SuperSport were trying to catch the home side on the counter.
However, the home side managed to hold on to their lead until the final whistle to advance to the next round of the competition.