Linda Mntambo netted a brace in the first half, guiding Sekhukhune United to a 2-1 triumph over Milford in the Nedbank Cup round of 16 at Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday.
The Limpopo-based team is set to square off against Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarter-finals at Lucas Moripe Stadium this Saturday.
Milford advanced with a walkover in the round of 32 after their scheduled opponent, Royal AM, was removed from the tournament due to disqualification by the league. This decision followed the South African Revenue Service (SARS) seizing Royal AM over alleged tax liabilities amounting to R40 million.
Despite attempts to resolve the situation, SARS appointed a curator, Jaco Venter, who litigated against Royal AM’s owner, Shauwn Mkhize, regarding the disputed debts. With the debts still outstanding, the court permitted SARS to commence the sale of the club.
While awaiting a resolution, Milford was granted a walkover due to Royal AM’s persistent problems, enabling them to move forward and compete against Sekhukhune.
Sekhukhune opened the scoring with Mntambo, a former Orlando Pirates midfielder, finding the net in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a precise cross from Shaune Mogaila.
Mntambo extended the lead in the 34th minute, converting a pass from Vuyo Letlapa in the penalty area for his second goal.
However, Milford responded just two minutes before halftime. Lloyd Kazapua mishandled a corner kick, enabling Menzi Chili to score from close range into an open net.
Mntambo nearly restored Sekhukhune’s two-goal cushion, but his close-range attempt was thwarted by Milford goalkeeper Mfanufikile Madondo, with the rebound hitting the crossbar.
Unimpressed with Kazapua’s performance, Sekhukhune coach Lehlohonolo Seema opted to replace him with Badra Ali Sangare before the start of the second half.
Milford came close to leveling the score in the 83rd minute when Bhekani Mthiyane’s shot struck the post. The home side displayed marked improvement in the second half, relentlessly pushing for an equalizer.
Sekhukhune struggled to create offensive chances in the second half, likely a result of the substitutions made at halftime.
Despite Milford’s attempts to equalize, Mntambo’s two goals in the first half were pivotal, securing Sekhukhune’s advancement to the quarter-finals against Sundowns.
