Both Siwelele FC and Marumo Gallants bowed out of the national cup at the first hurdle in matches they could - and arguably should - have won. In Bloemfontein in particular, it was a painful case of a team letting a golden opportunity to reach the Round of 16 slip through their fingers.

Richards Bay FC and TS Galaxy emerged as the victors, but neither side had it easy, grinding out hard-fought wins in exhausting contests that once again highlighted why the Nedbank Cup remains South African football’s great leveller.

Siwelele FC coach Lehlohonolo Seema - Morgan Piek

At the Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, Siwelele and Richards Bay produced a pulsating affair that had just about everything. The hosts made a lively start on home soil, with Vincent Pule’s early cross presenting Chibuike Ohizu with a gilt-edged chance, only for the striker to snatch at the opportunity inside the box.

Grant Margeman was central to much of Siwelele’s early attacking play and soon tested Ian Otieno with a curling effort from the edge of the area. The pressure eventually paid off in the 19th minute when Margeman pounced on a loose ball outside the box and unleashed a thunderous strike that beat Otieno to hand the Bloemfontein side the lead.

Siwelele looked comfortable for large spells of the first half, but Richards Bay always posed a threat on the counter-attack and came agonisingly close to equalising just before the break. Thabani Zuke rattled the crossbar from close range after a set-piece, a clear warning of what was to follow.

The game opened up after the interval as both teams went in search of goals. Lundi Mahala headed wide from a Thembela Sikhakhane cross, while Margeman again tried his luck from distance, forcing another save from Otieno. Richards Bay finally found their breakthrough in the 71st minute when Sbangani Zulu was picked out by Luyanda Khumalo and fired home from just outside the area to make it 1-1.

With the match stretched, chances appeared at both ends, but neither side could find a winner in regulation time. Extra time delivered further twists. Richards Bay struck first as Mahala reacted quickest to sustained pressure, tapping in from close range. Minutes later, the Natal Rich Boyz doubled their advantage when Sanele Barns teed up Mahala, who coolly finished from the centre of the box.

Marumo Gallants coach Alexandre Lafitte and captain Washington Arubi - Morgan Piek

Siwelele, however, refused to go quietly. An unfortunate own goal by Zuke following a corner reduced the deficit, before Siphelele Luthuli smashed home a low drive to level matters once more and force a penalty shoot-out.

In the shoot-out, Richards Bay held their nerve. Otieno emerged as the hero, saving two spot-kicks before stepping up to convert the decisive penalty himself, sealing a 4-3 win and a place in the next round.

Earlier in the day, TS Galaxy edged past fellow PSL side Marumo Gallants with a tense 1-0 victory at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga. Clear-cut chances were few and far between, with both sides guilty of wastefulness in front of goal. Gallants came closest through Emmanuel Mwiinde and Romaric Ouattara, but Galaxy goalkeeper Ira Tape stood firm.

After Seluleko Mahlambi struck the crossbar late in regulation time, the deadlock was eventually broken in extra time. Solomon Letsoenyo whipped in an inviting cross from the left, and former Bloemfontein Celtic striker Victor Letsoalo rose highest to head home the winner, sending the Rockets through to the Round of 16.

For Gallants, the defeat marked their fifth loss on the trot in all competitions, a particularly bitter blow considering they reached the Nedbank Cup semi-finals last year and contested the final of the Carling Knockout Cup earlier this season.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport