Santos moved into the quarterfinals of the Absa Cup knockout soccer competition when they beat Cosmos 1-0 at the Athlone Stadium on Sunday. There was no score at half-time.
The goal came in the 70th minute when Tyren Arendse picked up a clearance ball and buried it in the back of the net.
A poor display of soccer was dished up to the spectators in the first half. Playing with a strong north-westerly wind Santos could not capitalise on the many chances they created. The closest they came was in the 10th minute when Marawaan Bantam’s shot from the right hit the far upright post and came out.
Some ten minutes later Arendse centred to Fees Moloi who chested the ball down but shot straight at goalkeeper Avril Phadi. The sporadic attacks from Cosmos were dangerous and in the 23rd minute Shere Lekgothoane put over a perfect cross but Sebastian Bax cleared the ball.
Lekgothoane was prominent in the 31st minute with another good cross but Tico Tico Bucuane just could not reach the ball.
The visitors were unlucky in the 65th minute when a cross from the right landed on the head of Russell Mwafulirwa, who headed high over the bar from just six metres.
Once the goal had been scored the game — and the spectators — came alive as Cosmos tried hard to come back and Santos attempted to increase the lead.
In extra time Cosmos substitute Mark Haskins, with an open goal, kicked past the upright. – Sapa