SuperSport outclass Bay to advance in Nedbank Cup

SuperSport United outclassed Richards Bay 3-1 at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday afternoon to advance into the last eight of the 2023-24 Nedbank Cup.

Matsatsantsa’s teenage star Shandre Campbell proved the difference between the teams, scoring two goals in the first half to tee up their triumph over the Natal Rich Boys. It was also some sweet revenge for the team from Tshwane, who were humbled 1-3 in the DStv Premiership by Bay when the clubs last met in late 2023.

SuperSport claimed the lead as early as the sixth minute, as Campbell found the back of the net directly from a free kick. The 18-year-old’s left-footed strike was a sweet one through a crowded penalty area, but Bay goalkeeper Salim Magoola was undone by an awkward, skidding bounce and will feel he should have done better.

Magoola redeemed himself in the 10th minute, making an excellent save to deny Terrence Dzukamanja at close range after United had cut open the hosts’ defence with alarming ease.

Bay quickly responded with a fine chance of their own, as Somila Ntsundwana latched onto a cross from the left and directed an effort goal-wards, but SuperSport keeper Ricardo Goss made a sharp save at his near post.

The match settled into a scrappy rhythm thereafter, with the next threat on goal only arriving on 35 minutes when an attempted headed clearance from SuperSport’s Onismor Bhasera almost looped into his own net.

In the 40th minute, the hosts were awarded a somewhat soft penalty after Ntsundwana tumbled under light contact from Ime Okon. Justice Figuareido took the spot kick, but saw his effort well saved by Goss.

And United quickly capitalised on their goalkeeper’s heroics, doubling their lead in the 44th minute, as a cross from the right flank fell