Tornado lose exciting Cup clash
An own goal and a denied penalty appeal condemned a brave Tornado side to a 1-0 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in their Nedbank Cup clash at the Sisa Dukashe stadium in Mdantsane on Sunday.
The own goal by Abongile Twani came after the game had gone to extra time following a stalemate in regulation time. The loss eliminated the AB Motsepe side from the last 32 Nedbank Cup. But they did not go down without a fight.
Tshepo Motsoeneng's charges could have joined the likes of newly promoted Black Leopards and Chippa United, who are also still in the running for the R7-million grand prize.
Both teams failed to find a goal in the 93 minutes played even though there were moments when spectators jumped off their seats with excitement.
In the first half it only took 10 minutes for Tornado to show the visitors why they were in the competition and the defending provincial champions of the ABC Motsepe League.
Tornado's attacker Kefuwe Siyoko was notable with his efforts in searching for an opening goal. He gave Chiefs defence headaches and forced veteran Willard Katsande to commit fouls as he tried to tame the local heroes.
Tornado's Mboniseni Mbandlwa, who is no stranger to the Last 32 stage of the competition, was another player who was relentless in looking for an opening for the hosts, but nothing gave.
Chiefs’ Mphahlele Ramahlwe tried his best to penetrate Tornado's turf with the aid of Ekstein Hendrick but Tornado's Twani was always there to block their efforts.
In the second half Tornado had to spend the first 10 minutes defending their territory with Chief's’ Leonardo Castro and Bernard Parker desperately looking for an opening goal.
But Siphiwe Kwanya and Lonwabo Mhlakaza made a formidable defence force protecting their goalkeeper Khanya Mini. They also had to keep an extra eye on Multichoice Diski Challenge star Happy Mashiane, who was feeding Castro and others excellent crosses.
But the third-tier league defending champions held their ground, clearing all dangerous ball before they turned in problems for Mini.
Ernst Middendorp made a controversial change when he replaced Mashiane with Dumisani Zuma, leaving their local fans unhappy. They booed him for making the substitution.
But the substitution didn't make any difference as there was just 22 minutes remaining on the clock.
Tornado veteran Kwanya was guilty of trying to do everything on his own as he left his post at the back to push Chiefs’ defence in searching for a goal but his efforts were thwarted by Daniel Cardoso and Teenage Hadebe...
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