Golden Arrows came from behind to defeat Pretoria Callies 2-1 in extra-time for a spot in the Nedbank Cup last 16 on Saturday afternoon.
A first start of the season saw Siyabonga Mbatha in goal for Arrows, with Daniel Mjengu and Sazi Gumbi included too, while veteran striker Siphelele Mthembu led the line for Callies.
It was a slow start from the host and very nearly gave their counterparts the breakthrough, but fortunately enough recovered and cleared.
Callies did eventually went ahead on 15 minutes after Lungelo Dube committed a foul in the area and conceded a penalty which Siyabonga Dubula tucked past Mbatha.
Abafana Besthende were very close to draw level around the half-hour mark from a free-kick by Sbonelo Cele and Pule Mmodi, but the visitors cleared and maintained advantage.
The host received a clearer opportunity when a missed clearance at the back allowed Cele in and the chance to profit, but he fired wide of target.
Callies made a change ahead of the resumption in Tlou Nkwe for Siyabonga Menziwa, while Abafana Besthende didn't introduce any substitutions.
Abafana Besthende were level in fortunate circumstances when Kamohelo Mogaswa helped a snap shot from a tight angle by Mmodi off a near side move into his own net.
The leveller urged the home team to go searching for a second minutes later and were close through Siyabonga Khumalo's angled attempt, but he missed.
Callies battled to come forward and the host threatened from a header by Knox Mutizwa following Mjengu's cross, but he missed and the match went to extra-time.
Following a strong spell, the host bagged the winner 13 minutes in extra-time when a well-taken free-kick by Mutizwa from the near side of the area found the top corner.
Abafana Besthende didn't have any problems controlling the closing seconds and claimed the win as well as a spot in the last 16.
Confirmed line up:
Golden Arrows: Mbatha, Cele, Mantshiyane, Hlatshwayo, Mjengu, Dube, Gumbi, Khumalo, Mmodi, Lunga, Mutizwa
Subs: Gumede, Ndlovu, Magawana, Magubane, Nkosi, Moon, Fikizolo
Pretoria Callies: Maova, Georgiades, Mogaswa, Ismail, Noge, Kwayiba, Mbatha, Dubula, Menziwa, Jacobs, Mthembu
Subs: Ncube, Appollis, Mbidana, Ralenkoane, Luthuli, Nkwe, Sebone, Moloi, RaphaduYou must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.