24.02.2020 21:25 h

Soft goals give Wits victory in South African Cup

Soft goals by Thulani Hlatshwayo and Phathutshedzo Nange secured Bidvest Wits a 2-0 win over Chippa United Monday in the final South African FA Cup last-16 match.

A header by captain Hlatshwayo off a corner slipped between a defender and goalkeeper Veli Mothwa on 27 minutes to put the home side ahead at Milpark Stadium in Johannesburg.

Wits doubled their advantage two minutes later from an even softer goal as a speculative shot by Nange from well outside the box bounced over Mothwa and into the net.

The clubs produced an epic quarter-final in the same competition last year with the lead changing regularly before Chippa won on penalties after a 4-4 draw.

But the latest cup tie between them fell far short of the previous one with championship contenders Wits too good for Chippa, who are just two points above the relegation zone.

"It was not a great performance from us," admitted Wits coach Gavin Hunt. "We lacked energy and not a lot of thought went into many of our decisions.

"I will have to watch a rerun of the match before we play in the league this weekend, but it is not something I am looking forward to."

Baroka, Black Leopards, Bloemfontein Celtic, Highlands Park, Mamelodi Sundowns and second division sides TS Sporting and Real Kings are the other qualifiers for the quarter-finals.