Junior Dion was the standout player as AmaZulu triumphed 3-0 over Golden Arrows in the Carling Knockout Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Dion, the Ivory Coast striker, secured a remarkable first-half hat-trick, with his first goal coming in the seventh minute through a well-placed header.
In the 30th minute, he demonstrated his finesse by lobbing the ball over Arrows’ goalkeeper Olufemi Kayode for his second.
The third goal was a result of Arrows’ lackadaisical defending, as Dion headed home unmarked during added time in the first half.
𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗙 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘
— #UNPLAYABLE (@UnplayableZA) November 4, 2023
AmaZulu 3️⃣-0️⃣ Arrows
S. Dion 11', 29', 45' ⚽️⚽️⚽️#CarlingKnockout #UNPLAYABLE pic.twitter.com/tYfCNcCd17
Coach Mabhuti Khenyeza, who had been unbeaten in his six matches in charge until this game, experienced his first loss. Despite some chances for Arrows, they couldn’t penetrate AmaZulu’s solid defence.
AmaZulu’s fast start was a key factor in their victory, and their president, Sandile Zungu, was seen celebrating their strong performance.
The match marked a significant opportunity for smaller clubs, as powerhouse teams like Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Mamelodi Sundowns were absent from the Knockout Cup semi-finals for the first time in the PSL era.
Sekhukhune United 0-0 TS Galaxy (pen 2-4)
TS Galaxy booked a place in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final, prevailing 4-2 in a penalty shootout against Sekhukhune United after a goalless 120-minute contest at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Sekhukhune United had early chances, but neither Siphesihle Mkhize nor Kgomotso Mosadi could find the target. TS Galaxy’s Sphiwe Mahlangu was denied by Sekhukhune’s captain, Daniel Cardoso. Despite a few opportunities, the first half ended 0-0.
The second half saw both teams exchange possession without creating clear-cut chances. Extra time failed to yield goals, with a 101st-minute strike by Samir Nurkovic hitting the crossbar.
In the end, penalties settled the contest. TS Galaxy emerged victorious as Sekhukhune United’s Jamie Webber missed their first penalty, and TS Galaxy converted all their spot-kicks, earning a spot in the semi-final.
The Rockets Advance - winning 4-2 on penalties! ✔️
— Lorenz Köhler (@Lorenz_KO) November 4, 2023
🦔 Sekhukhune - ❌✅❌✅
🚀 TS Galaxy - ✅✅✅✅
🍺 #CarlingKnockout pic.twitter.com/kaQsU7cBZ7
