Black Aces are through to the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup after a resounding 2-0 win over fellow National First Division (NFD) outfit Nathi Lions at the Atlantic Stadium in Witbank on Saturday.
Jacob Machaka netted in the 25th minute and Visiwe Masonda sealed victory for Aces two minutes before half-time with a well-placed effort from the edge of the area.
Aces could have won the game by a bigger margin if the crossbar and the keeper had not denied Kabamba Musasa. The former Kaizer Chiefs striker was on fire and hit the post with a header and saw goal-bound shots saved by the Lions keeper.
Essau Mtshweni created the first goal for Aces. His cross was cleverly skipped by Musasa and it rolled to Machaka who, alone at the far post, composed himself before blasting the ball into the net.
The partisan crowd urged their team on but despite their slick passing they could not find the back of the net. Lions, too, were staunch in defence and kept them at bay, but as the half wound down the visitors lost concentration.
A flowing move by Aces freed Masonda, who picked his spot before blasting the ball into the back of the net. The half came to an end but the contest was already over.
Lions pressed hard to get back in the game but lacked the composure to finish off their chances. — Sapa