Defending MTN8 champions Cape Town City were dumped out of the 2019 edition of the tournament when they were beaten 2-0 by Polokwane City in a quarterfinal clash at the Newlands Rugby Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
City won the competition last season, but found no joy on Saturday as a committed and determined Polokwane repelled all their attacks and then hit back effectively on the counter.
The Cape club dominated possession and territory in the opening stages as they went in search of an early goal. The Cape side’s Dutch midfielder Chris David was particularly influential, with his passing and movement rather impressive.
For City, Craig Martin was his usual energetic presence down the right flank and, when he set up an opportunity for Thato Mokeke, the midfielder was unlucky not to score.
ENERGETIC: Craig Martin put in his all against Polokwane City. Photo: Phando Jikelo/ANA.
But, for all City’s pressure and possession, Polokwane’s defence stood firm. The visitors soaked up everything the Capetonians threw at them and then hit back swiftly.
It proved to be a clever strategy when, after yet another break, Polokwane took the lead in the 25th minute, with Mohammed Anas steering the ball into the corner of the net.
NETTED: Mohammed Anas celebrates scoring the opening goal for Polokwane City against Cape Town City at Newlands rugby stadium on Saturday. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Stunned after going behind, City tried to hit back immediately, with Abbubaker Mobara creating an opening for Zukile Kewuti, but the youngster’s shot was deflected for a corner.
Ten minutes into the second half, the Cape side made a change as they looked to provide more attacking impetus. Striker Kermit Erasmus made his entrance in place of David.
But it was Polokwane who had the chance to increase their advantage when they were awarded a penalty in the 63rd minute. Sibusiso Mbonani stepped up to take the spotkick, but his attempt was saved by City’s Dutch goalkeeper Peter Leewenburgh.
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/iamCityFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iamCityFC pic.twitter.com/EsP4WkW8SD
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC)
In the 81st minute, Polokwane made a change, replacing goalscorer Anas with Charlton Mashumba and, four minutes later, the substitute condemned City to defeat when he scored to make it 2-0.
McCarthy says: “We were not at the game and I don’t want to make excuses. We deserved to lose and it could have been worse."
African News Agency.