Spurs hold their nerve from the spot

Cape Town Spurs booked their spot in the Nedbank Cup last-16 with a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win (1-1 after extra-time) over Baroka FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Monday.

The Urban Warriors held their nerve from the spot to advance in the cup at the expense of Bakgaga, who became the latest top-flight team to fall at the hands of lower division opposition.

Richard Mbulu and Ashley Cupido were on target in regulation time and with no goals forthcoming in extra-time, the game would be decided on penalties. Lincoln Vyver saved two spot-kicks on debut to set up Spurs’ win with fellow academy graduate Riyaaz Koopstadt netting the decisive kick.

Spurs started the game well and created the best chances in the opening half-hour despite a spell in which Baroka won four corner-kicks in quick succession, with Abednigo Mosiatlhaga particularly lively for the visiting team.

The Urban Warriors’ best opportunity of the opening half fell on the head of club captain Thendo Mukumela in the 43rd minute. Khaya Mfecane found his skipper with a pin-point pass and despite doing everything right, he was brilliantly denied by Oscarine Masuluke who tipped the bullet-header over the crossbar.

Spurs were made to reflect on that missed chance moments later as Bakgaga opened the scoring on the cusp of half-time.

Gerald Phiri Jnr flicked a long throw-in into the path of fellow countryman Mbulu and with no Spurs player in sight, the Malawian forward fired the ball home on the volley to give his team a narrow lead at the break.

Baroka should’ve doubled their lead in the 51st minute but after losing his man and getting in behind the Spurs defensive line, Elliot Seema could only succeed in directing his header attempt wide of goal with the goal at his mercy.

Like Mukumela in the first-half, Seema was made to rue his miss as Spurs rattled home the equaliser three minutes short of the hour mark. Cohen Stander picked out Cupido with a pin-point cross and the young forward made no mistake with a neat finish.

Mukumela missed Spurs’ best chance in extra-time before Thamsanqa Masiya and Joslin Kamatuka squandered gilt-edged opportunities for the hosts.

In the end, Spurs emerged victorious from the spot with Vyver the Cape club’s hero on the day.