Sekhukhune edge Royal to advance in Carling KO

Sekhukhune United have claimed their place in the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout after they defeated Royal AM 1-0 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday night.

Babina Noko got the better of Thwihli Thwahla thanks to a second-half strike from Maloisane Mokhele, seeing them join TS Galaxy, Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch FC, Golden Arrows and AmaZulu in the next round.

The final eight will be confirmed on Sunday when the last two round of 16 matches are played: Richards Bay v Moroka Swallows and SuperSport United v Polokwane City.

It’s a WIN for Sekhukhune United ⚽️ as they defeat Royal AM and advance to the quarterfinals of the #CarlingKnockout 🏆

Who will they draw for the quarters?

Reply using #CarlingKnockout ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/DwcsVrYSD1

— Carling Black Label ᅠᅠᅠᅠ (@blacklabelsa) October 21, 2023

The first half saw few chances at either end, with Sekhukhune’s best attempt seeing Elias Mokwana firing off a low shot midway through the half, only for Royal defender Shadrack Kobedi to make a fine block.

Royal themselves threatened via Motebang Sera, who saw his shot-cross from a tight angle tipped away from the danger zone by host goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, while Shaune Mogaila and Menzi Masuku both had ambitious shots fly off target.

The second half continued in a similar vein, with Sekhukhune opting for attacking changes on the hour mark when they introduced both Lehlohonolo Mtshali and Maloisane Mokhele.

And Mokhele duly broke the deadlock on 71 minutes, easily finishing from close range after some great work to create the goal from Mokwana down the left of the penalty, as he took both the defence and goalkeeper Hugo Nyame out of the equation.

Royal looked to come back into the game in the final stages, introducing both Sedwyn George and Mxolisi Machupu off the bench, but the home side held firm in defence to secure victory in a hard-fought cup tie.

The teams will return to DStv Premiership action next weekend, with Sekhukhune away to TS Galaxy and Royal visiting SuperSport United.

Sekhukhune United (0) 1 (Mokhele 71’)

Royal AM 0

SEKHUKHUNE: Leaner, Mobbie, Tshibwabwa, Rikhotso, Mabotja (Mkhabela 90+2’), Mkhize (Mokhele 61’), Mokotjo, Webber (Gyimah 83’), Mncube (Mtshali 61’), Mokwana, Ohizu, Mosadi 90+2’

ROYAL: Nyame, Jiyane, Kobedi (Mahcupu 82’), Matlaba, Mkhize, Dlamini (George 82’), Mahlasela, Mogaila, Masuku (Maxwele 62’), Sera, Ncobeni (Thikazi 62’)