Golden Arrows staged a second-half comeback as they battled back from behind to beat Sekhukhune United 3-1 in the Carling Knockout round of 16 at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday, October 4.
Babina Noko went into the break a goal to the good after Bradley Grobler opened the scoring on the stroke of halftime, but Jerome Karelse hit back for Manqoba Mngqithi's side on 57 minutes before further goals from Ayabulela Maxwele and Ayanda Jiyane completed the comeback win.
Arrows were keen to keep the momentum going after recording back-to-back wins against Orbit College and Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership, while Sekhukhune looked for an immediate response after suffering their first league defeat of the season at Polokwane City.
The hosts put Eric Tinkler's side under early pressure when Toaster Nsabata was required to make a save in the third minute and the goalkeeper was well positioned to deal with a shot from Nhlanhla Zwane on 12 minutes.
Thakasani Mbanjwa was called into action moments later at the other end to keep out a shot from a free-kick before Grobler forced him into another save on the quarter-mark.
The KZN outfit grew into the game as the first half progressed, but they conceded at the worst possible time when Grobler headed home the opener in the first minute of added time.
Abafana Bes'thende looked for a swift reply after the restart and substitute Thokozani Lukhele failed to hit the target with a shot on 55 minutes, although they didn't have to wait much longer for the equaliser as Karelse got on the end of a free-kick to beat Nsabata.
Maxwele then turned the cup-tie on its head in the 64th minute when he lashed the ball home from Luthando Ndlovu's square pass.
Babina Noko's evening went from bad to worse on 72 minutes as Nsabata fumbled the ball from a corner, giving Jiyane the opportunity to score from close range.
Mbanjwa had to be alert to keep out a header from Grobler with five minutes left on the clock as Arrows saw out the remainder of the game to march on in the Carling Knockout.
Golden Arrows (0) 3 (Karelse 57', Maxwele 64', Jiyane 72')
Sekhukhune United (1) 1 (Grobler 45+1')
Golden Arrows: T. Mbanjwa, K. Phillips (T. Lukhele 46'), A. Jiyane, P. Khumalo (J. Karelse 46'), S. Cele, T. Mantshiyane, A. Maxwele, N. Dlamini, L. Ndlovu (N. Gasa 78'), N. Zwane (I. Cisse 78'), J. Dion.
Sekhukhune United: T. Nsabata, D. Cardoso (R. Maarman 77'), K. Makgalwa, S. Mkhize (K. Tlaka 77'), V. Mncube, S. Mogaila (T. Mashiloane 61'), B. Ndlovu, N. Rammala, M. Thokolo, M. Timm (T. Monare 61'), B. Grobler.