
The opportunity was there for second division side Pretoria Callies to achieve an upset in South Africa's Nedbank Cup but Monde Npambaniso's late finish was enough for Marumo Gallants to claim a 1-0 victory on Friday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.
Npambaniso's winner advanced Gallants to the Round of 16 despite playing most of the second half with ten players following Siyabulela Shai's dismissal for a second yellow card. As the match approached its conclusion it appeared that the teams were locked in a stalemate and would require extra time to determine a winner.
However the Betway Premiership side found a way in the end. Thirty seconds into second half stoppage time, Daniel Msendami received a clever pass from Edgar Manaka at the edge of the Callies' penalty area. Msendami's powerful shot was spilled by goalkeeper King Ndlovu right into the path of Npambaniso who was left with a simple finish from close range.
Since suffering a shocking 8-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates around Christmas time, Gallants are finding their form with only one defeat in their last five matches to go with two victories.
The Round of 32 continues over the weekend with Mamelodi Sundowns in action against lower league club Sibanye on Saturday (16:00 GMT) along with Golden Arrows who face Chippa United in a clash between top division sides.
Saturday's Fixtures
Lerumo Lions v Durban City
Umvoti v Baroka
Golden Arrows v Chippa United
Venda FA v Cape Town Spurs
Mamelodi Sundowns v Sibanye
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