Dondol Stars Pull Off Major Upset by Beating SuperSport United in Nedbank Cup
The Nedbank Cup lived up to its “David vs Goliath” moniker, as Dondol Stars pulled off a shocker against SuperSport United on Wednesday evening!
This was a total embarrassment for SuperSport United, who have been one of the top dogs in the DStv Premiership this season.
SuperSport will now shift their attention to the league and aim for a top three finish to secure a spot in continental competition next season.
Meanwhile, Dondol, who joins Mamelodi Sundowns, Marumo Gallants, and Sekhukhune United in the Round of 16, now have reason to believe they can go the distance in the competition.
The Nedbank Cup has been the stage for many David vs Goliath battles over the years, and this match was no exception as SuperSport faced off against the ABC Motsepe side.
With SuperSport touted as the overwhelming favorites to claim an easy win, Gavin Hunt’s squad came out looking like champions, pressing from the opening whistle.
Their attacking lineup was that of a team determined to dominate, fielding Zakhele Lepasa, Thamsanga Gabuza, and Mamour Niang.
Despite playing in support of Niang and Gabuza, Lepasa proved to be the key player for the hosts, gobbling up second balls and constantly searching for the game-winning goal.
SuperSport were determined to dominate the match, and they started strong with a formidable lineup of Zakhele Lepasa, Thamsanga Gabuza, and Mamour Niang.
Lepasa, in particular, was a force to be reckoned with, using his fancy footwork to create opportunities in the box.
Unfortunately, despite a few opportunities, Lepasa’s final touch proved to be his downfall as the keeper made a straightforward save. He even had a chance for a diving header, but it ended up soaring into the stands instead.
Dondol Stars Pull Off Major Upset by Beating SuperSport United in Nedbank CupBut SuperSport’s persistence paid off when their captain Siyabonga Nhlapo’s header found the back of the net, assisted by a deflection from Revaldo Fox. A lucky break, but it’s all that counts in the end.
Nhlapo, decked out in the skipper’s band, nearly bagged a brace but his blistering shot just missed its target, sailing wide of Gumede’s goalposts.
Despite dominating possession in the first half, the visitors couldn’t penetrate the SuperSport box and their three corner kicks fell short of finding the back of the net.
SuperSport made a bold move by swapping out two players at halftime, but it was Dondol who rose to the occasion.
The up-and-comers were finally rewarded for their persistent efforts when Tyson Patlana set up Sibonile Nomala for the goal that sent the stadium into a frenzy.
Goss was left with egg on his face as Molefe pounced on the rebound and scored the goal that sent the stadium into a frenzy.
Molefe had a golden opportunity to give Dondol the lead, but his shot sailed way over the crossbar much to the amusement of the crowd.
Gumede was the hero for his team, pulling off two impressive saves to keep SuperSport at bay.
But all his efforts were in vain as Monama unleashed a rocket of a shot that ricocheted off a defender and found its way into the back of the net.
In the end, Dondol wrote their names in the history books by upsetting their more illustrious opponents and advancing to the next round of the competition.