Nedbank Cup quarterfinalists confirmed as Wits join last eight

Bidvest Wits beat Chippa United 2-0 to book their place in the last-eight of the Nedbank Cup at Bidvest Stadium in Braamfontein on Monday evening.

Two goals in two minutes from Thulani Hlatshwayo and Phathutshedzo Nange spearheaded the hosts to a comfortable win, and they will join Mamelodi Sundowns, Black Leopards, Highlands Park, TS Sporting, Real Kings, Baroka FC and Bloemfontein Celtic in quarterfinal draw on Tuesday evening.

Bidvest Wits book spot in last eight

The Clever Boys controlled the early exchanges with coach Gavin Hunt having reverted to a back five with Deon Hotto and new signing MacClive Phiri playing as wing-backs.

The visitors’ defence finally cracked in the 27th minute, albeit through a set-piece as Hlatshwayo nodded home Elias Pelembe’s corner-kick for the Wits captain’s second goal in as many games.

Nange doubled the hosts lead two minutes later as his rasping shot from range got the better of Veli Mothwa in the Chippa goal to hand the hosts a commanding lead at the halftime break.

Wits continued to dominate proceedings after the interval and were only denied a third in the 53rd minute by Veli Mothwa who made a superb diving save to keep out Thabang Monare’s powerful effort.

The Chilli Boys skipper then showed incredible reflexes to keep out Pelembe and Terrence Dzvukamanja in quick succession. He dove to his left to deny Pelembe’s free-kick from bulging the back of the net before jumping to his feet to stop the rebound attempt from point-blank range.

The Clever Boys continued to create chances at will and Nange should’ve put the game to bed in the 63rd minute, but he could only succeed in guiding his header wide with the goal at his mercy.

In the end it was a rather straightforward win for the home side and although Chippa improved in the closing exchanges, Wits were never really troubled as they keep their Nedbank Cup hopes alive. 

Nedbank Cup last eight 

Black Leopards, Bidvest Wits, Highlands Park, TS Sporting, Real Kings, Bloemfontein Celtic, Mamelodi Sundowns and Baroka FC.

African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman