Sekhukhune United booked their place in the MTN8 semifinals after surviving a dramatic extra-time battle against AmaZulu, winning 4-3 in a thrilling quarterfinal encounter at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday.
The action-packed clash delivered everything fans expect from the “Wafa Wafa” competition: goals, momentum swings, late drama, and a heroic match-winning moment. Babina Noko showed incredible character to overcome early setbacks and reach the MTN8 semifinals for the second consecutive season.
AmaZulu Strike First as Sekhukhune Respond
AmaZulu made the perfect start in front of their home supporters, taking the lead in the 14th minute through Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, who calmly finished to put Usuthu ahead.
Sekhukhune United refused to panic and gradually grew into the contest. Their persistence was rewarded just before halftime when Tshepo Mokoane’s effort took a deflection on its way into the net, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.
Babina Noko Take Control After the Break
The visitors came out firing in the second half and turned the game around with a quick attacking burst.
Givemore Khupe put Sekhukhune ahead before Mpho Rammala added another goal shortly afterwards, giving Babina Noko a 3-1 advantage and putting AmaZulu under serious pressure.
However, Usuthu were far from finished.
AmaZulu’s Incredible Comeback Forces Extra Time
With their MTN8 hopes hanging by a thread, AmaZulu launched a stunning comeback.
Ngwenya completed his brace in the 56th minute with a brilliant diving header to reduce the deficit, before defender Taariq Fielies struck just two minutes later to restore parity and send the home crowd into celebration.
Neither side could find a winner in normal time, forcing the contest into extra time in a dramatic 3-3 deadlock.
Letlapa Delivers the Winning Moment
As fatigue began to set in, Sekhukhune United found their decisive moment through substitute Vuyo Letlapa.
In the 97th minute, Letlapa reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box and produced a composed volley that struck the inside of the post before finding the back of the net.
AmaZulu pushed desperately for another equaliser, with Keegan Allan’s goal-bound header cleared off the line in the closing stages, but Sekhukhune held on to secure a memorable 4-3 victory.
MTN8 Semifinalists Confirmed
The victory sees Sekhukhune United join Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semifinal draw, while the final semifinal spot will be decided by the remaining quarterfinal fixture.
Both teams will now turn their attention back to the Betway Premiership, with important league fixtures ahead:
- AmaZulu will host Orlando Pirates on Wednesday, August 12.
- Sekhukhune United travel to face Kaizer Chiefs on the same day.
This unforgettable seven-goal spectacle once again highlighted why the MTN8 remains one of South Africa’s most exciting football competitions, where every moment can change the destiny of a team.
