Richards Bay defeat Cape Town City in penalties to advance

Brandon Truter

Richards Bay are through to the semis of the Carling Knockout Cup after a 5-4 penalty shoot-out victory over Cape Town City after the match finished goalless.

Both teams spurned opportunities to win the match in regulation time and it all came down to the dreaded penalty shoot-out at the King Zwelithini Stadium.

Both sides converted their first two spot-kicks before home goalkeeper Ian Otieno saved superbly from City defender Thamsanqa Mkhize.

Siyabonga Dube then had the chance to put an end to the contest for Richards Bay but the right-back skied his effort into the stands.

The Citizens did not take advantage of the second opportunity though as substitute Kayden Francis put his penalty into the seats in almost identical fashion as Dube.

Moses Mthembu then stepped up to ease nerves and send the home supporters into delirium as he calmly beat visiting shot-stopper Darren Keet.

A place in the last-four of the cup competition will be a huge fillip for head coach Brandon Truter and his Richards Bay outfit as they have not the best of starts to the league campaign.

The KZN-based team currently sit 12th in the standings after only one victory in six matches but can take confidence in what was a solid defensive display.

The loss for Cape Town City, meanwhile, will be hugely disappointing as they themselves have only picked up five points from five league games.

Citizens head coach Erik Tinkler could be under pressure if results do not pick up quickly with a league encounter at home against Polokwane City next on the horizon.