Johannesburg – Wits marched into the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals after a 3-0 rout of the University of Pretoria at the Wits Stadium.
Cornelis Kwakman opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Sibusiso Vilakazi (56) and Henrico Botes (63) ensured the victory in the university clash.
Wits had a lukewarm start to the match, with AmaTuks holding their own in the opening exchanges.
On the right wing Jabulani Shongwe made a run eight minutes into the game and delivered a searching ball in the direction of Botes, but AmaTuks goalkeeper Washington Arubi collected well.
It would be a clash that was centred around strikers, Botes and his counterpart Geoffrey Massa.
Both play a pivotal role in holding up the ball for their teams on the counter-attack and in long ball situations.
In the 12th minute Massa used his bulky frame to bulldoze his way past Phumlani Ntshangase, but his subsequent strike at goal flew over the target.
Wits' attacking duo of Shongwe and Vilakazi gave the opposition defence some problems with their quick interplays.
In the 23rd minute Vilakazi dribbled past Tebogo Monyai inside the box and served the ball to Papy Faty, who put too much power in his shot.
AmaTuks defender Siyabonga Ngubane spearheaded a push into the opposition half, but when he was dispossessed of the ball his team was nearly punished on the counter.
Midfielder Dillon Sheppard attacked Monyai head-on and easily beat him, but AmaTuks were bailed out by defender Grant Kekana in the 27th minute with a solid challenge.
AmaTuks striker Thabo Mnyamane had some flashes of brilliance in the first half and in the 34th minute blasted the ball on target to force Moneeb Josephs into a superb stop.
As a result of a rebound from a corner-kick, Kwakman opened the scoring with an exquisite half-volley that beat Arubi minutes before the interval.
At the half the only thing that separated the teams was the one clear cut chance that was converted by Dutch defender.
Although it had been an exciting half there was only a handful of clear scoring opportunities.
In the second half Wits were intent on extending their lead with Vilakazi displaying great tenacity that suggested that they were hungry for goals.
Wits strikers Chris Katongo was played-through on goal by a Vilakazi pass, but the veteran’s lack of pace saw Kekana catch-up and make a splendid tackle.
However, two consecutive goals would follow for the home side with Vilakazi and Botes securing the match. – Sapa