AmaZulu and Milford dig deep to secure Nedbank Cup Round of 16 spots

Tuesday night delivered high-stakes drama in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 as AmaZulu FC and Milford FC both navigated gruelling encounters to book their places in the next round.

While Usuthu secured their progression in open play during extra time, Milford required the clinical edge of a penalty shootout to advance at Dobsonville Stadium.

AmaZulu Sink Polokwane City in Extra-Time

At the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, AmaZulu FC overcame a resilient Polokwane City FC side with a 2-1 victory after 120 minutes of play.

Usuthu wasted no time asserting dominance when defender Taariq Fielies headed home from close range in the 10th minute, following a well-placed corner from Sandile Mthethwa.

The match swung in AmaZulu’s favour in the 32nd minute when Polokwane City’s Monty Batlhabane was shown a straight red card. However, despite being a man down, the hosts found a lifeline just before the break. Lebohang Nkaki converted a 45th-minute penalty after Thabang Matuludi was fouled in the area.

After a scoreless second half and a tense first period of extra time, substitute Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya became the hero. In the 113th minute, Ngwenya fired a left-footed shot into the top corner to seal the win. He was booked for his “excessive” celebration, but the goal proved enough to send AmaZulu through.

Milford FC Edge Soweto Super United (M17) on Penalties In Nedbank Cup Last 32

In Soweto, the clash at Dobsonville Stadium between SSU M17 and Milford FC ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout where Milford triumphed 5-3.

Milford took the lead in the 31st minute through Sifiso Mdluli, but the lead was short-lived. SSU M17’s Thapelo Tshilo equalised in the 43rd minute, ensuring the sides went into the break level.

The match grew physical, resulting in a red card for SSU M17’s Chris Matombo in the 98th minute after receiving a second yellow.

In the shootout, Milford was flawless. While Hendrick Xaba and Kgauhelo Mofokeng missed their efforts for SSU, Milford’s Olwethu Cele remained calm to slot home the winning penalty and secure their Round of 16 berth.

What’s Next?

The 2025/26 Nedbank Cup Round of 16 Draw is set to take place on Wednesday, 11 February 2026.

Time: 18h00 (Broadcast starts 18h30)

Venue: SuperSport Studio 6, Randburg