Nkosikhona Radebe’s Player of the Match perfomance helped AmaZulu grind out a 2-1 win against Tlou Nkwe’s Polokwane City in the 2026 Nedbank Cup Last 16 match at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane on Tuesday. THE DREADED shoot-out from the penalty spot loomed large when Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya scored the winner to help AmaZulu eventually overcome a stubborn 10-man Polokwane City 2-1 and book their spot in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16. Ngwenya had threatened to score on numerous occasions during the regulation 90 minutes but sent the ball high over the bar on each of those three occasions.
Late in the second half of extra-time, the Nedbank Cup debutant was spot on as he redirected a Nkosikhona Radebe shot into the box past the hapless Lindokuhle Mathebula for the winner. An eventful first half had ended with the score tied at 1-1 although AmaZulu would feel they should have gone into the break enjoying a comfortable lead of at least three goals such were the good chances they created. Arthur Zwane’s men dominated play and looked sharper going forward as they varied their attacks, going at City from both wings and in the middle.
They opened the scoring as early as the 10thminute from a corner kick, Taariq Filies heading in unmarked at the far post after a flick on from Sandile Mthethwa. As if their lead was not enough, Usuthu looked to get an extra advantage just after the half-hour mark when Monty Batlhabane received a straight red card for a dangerously high tackle on Liam Bern. Five minutes thereafter Riaan Hanamub should have made the visitors’ numerical advantage count but the Namibian’s threatening shot from the left flank was cleared away.
[paywall]
Ngwenya then smashed the ball high and over from inside the box when making the scoreline 2-0 appeared much easier on 40 minutes. Such is the nature of elite football that teams who waste such chances often pay dearly and this rang true for the KZN side who got pegged back on the stroke of halftime. Hanamub tripped Thabang Matuludi inside the box to concede a penalty which Lebogang Nkaki coolly slotted home, sending goalkeeper Darren Johnson the wrong way.
Still, AmaZulu could have gone to the break ahead but Ngwenya again headed over from very close range, giving the home side hope that they could Rise and Shine in the second half. But due to their numerical advantage, Usuthu began the stronger after the break and Nkosikhona Radebe nearly put them ahead on the 57th minute but succeeded only in smashing the ball against the upright. Filies forced a good save out of Mathebula on 85 as the visitors attempted to end the match in regulation time but it was not to be. They eventually came right late in extra time to avoid going into the shootout.
[/paywall]
All Zim News – Bringing you the latest news and updates.
