Hotto gutted after cup exit
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
WINDHOEK
Bidvest Wits and Namibian international winger Deon Hotto is disappointed after his side's exit from the 2020 Nedbank Cup.
Wits could not secure a place in the final of the competition after going down 3-2 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals on Saturday evening.
Hotto, who will join Orlando Pirates at the end of the season, hoped to exit the club after having won a major trophy in his last games. In a telephonic interview with Namibian Sun, the winger said they could have done much better. “It is really a bad feeling that we did not advance to the final of the tournament. I think everyone here at the club was hoping to end the season on some sort of podium, given that many will not be here next season. I am, however, proud of the effort we put in because it has been a difficult time for the club,” he said.
Early opener for Sundowns
Sundowns pushed for an early opener after Lebohang Maboe forcefully pushed into the area from the far side, but Sifiso Hlanti's sliding challenge thwarted the former Maritzburg United talisman.
The Clever Boys should've taken the lead after a poor piece of handling by Denis Onyango following Hotto's shot gave Cole Alexander an opening he failed to utilise 12 minutes in.
A fast-paced move by Sundowns after pressing through the middle had Themba Zwane feeding off Sibusiso Vilakazi's flick outside the area before bringing Benson Mhlongo to a save at the midway stage.
With seven minutes left in the half, Sundowns were awarded a penalty after Buhle Mkwanazi had brought down Motjeka Madisha, allowing Ricardo Nascimento to convert the resultant spot-kick for the game's opening goal.
Promising second half
The Clever Boys looked for a more promising second stanza, as Kgaogelo Sekgota made way for Rowan Human, while Zitha Macheke came in for Lorenzo Gordinho.
This intervention almost paid dividends instantly after Hotto ran onto a through ball from Alexander, but Onyango rushed off his line to deny the Namibian inside 52 minutes.
Terrence Dzvukamanja brought his side level after robbing Madisha of possession to go clear with Onyango before finding the far corner in the final 12 minutes.
Sundowns scored with nine minutes to go when Keletso Makgalwa took advantage of a rush of blood to the head by Mhlongo to slot into an empty net following a route one delivery.
Dzvukamanja rescued the Clever Boys again after getting around Madisha before finding the bottom corner five minutes from time following Phathushedzo Nange's through ball. However, the Brazilians had the last laugh after Lyle Lakay sent a free-kick into the bottom corner in added time to send Sundowns into their second cup final of the season.
-Additional reporting by Kickoff
WINDHOEK
Bidvest Wits and Namibian international winger Deon Hotto is disappointed after his side's exit from the 2020 Nedbank Cup.
Wits could not secure a place in the final of the competition after going down 3-2 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals on Saturday evening.
Hotto, who will join Orlando Pirates at the end of the season, hoped to exit the club after having won a major trophy in his last games. In a telephonic interview with Namibian Sun, the winger said they could have done much better. “It is really a bad feeling that we did not advance to the final of the tournament. I think everyone here at the club was hoping to end the season on some sort of podium, given that many will not be here next season. I am, however, proud of the effort we put in because it has been a difficult time for the club,” he said.
Early opener for Sundowns
Sundowns pushed for an early opener after Lebohang Maboe forcefully pushed into the area from the far side, but Sifiso Hlanti's sliding challenge thwarted the former Maritzburg United talisman.
The Clever Boys should've taken the lead after a poor piece of handling by Denis Onyango following Hotto's shot gave Cole Alexander an opening he failed to utilise 12 minutes in.
A fast-paced move by Sundowns after pressing through the middle had Themba Zwane feeding off Sibusiso Vilakazi's flick outside the area before bringing Benson Mhlongo to a save at the midway stage.
With seven minutes left in the half, Sundowns were awarded a penalty after Buhle Mkwanazi had brought down Motjeka Madisha, allowing Ricardo Nascimento to convert the resultant spot-kick for the game's opening goal.
Promising second half
The Clever Boys looked for a more promising second stanza, as Kgaogelo Sekgota made way for Rowan Human, while Zitha Macheke came in for Lorenzo Gordinho.
This intervention almost paid dividends instantly after Hotto ran onto a through ball from Alexander, but Onyango rushed off his line to deny the Namibian inside 52 minutes.
Terrence Dzvukamanja brought his side level after robbing Madisha of possession to go clear with Onyango before finding the far corner in the final 12 minutes.
Sundowns scored with nine minutes to go when Keletso Makgalwa took advantage of a rush of blood to the head by Mhlongo to slot into an empty net following a route one delivery.
Dzvukamanja rescued the Clever Boys again after getting around Madisha before finding the bottom corner five minutes from time following Phathushedzo Nange's through ball. However, the Brazilians had the last laugh after Lyle Lakay sent a free-kick into the bottom corner in added time to send Sundowns into their second cup final of the season.
-Additional reporting by Kickoff
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