Saturday's Nedbank Cup Wrap: Maritzburg United and Chippa United book Last 16 spots

Maritzburg United booked their place in the Last 16 of the 2018 Nedbank Cup following a 3-1 win over Swallows FC at the Dobsonville Stadium. 

The Team of Choice got off to the best possible start as Andrea Fileccia broke the deadlock two minutes into the encounter. 

This was a wake up call for Swallows, who are currently playing in the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League, and they showed great deal of determination to come back from the early setback. 

Swallows knocked the ball around nicely for the better part of the game, and put their KwaZulu Natal opponents on the back for the better part of the first half. 

Their Soweto-based fans came out in numbers to support their boys, and the team didn't disappoint as they put in a brave performance throughout the game. 

Sello Letooane showed no respect to their PSL team alongside Tshepo Mashego, who had to be stretchered off the pitch in the latter stages of the game. 

Swallows' continued pressure almost paid off when they hit the post midway through the first half, but they were not to be denied in 35th minute as Mashego found the equalizer with a clinical finish from close range. 

Both sides had a fair amount of ball possession with the scoreline at 1-1, and in the second half, Maritzburg United created some good goalscoring chances to wrap the game. 

However, Swallows should be applauded for their resilience as they defended in numbers to deny the Team of Choice the chance to test their goalkeeper. 

The game ended 1-1 after regulation time, with the visitors enjoying total dominance, especially because Swallows were no longer effective going forward. 

Perhaps fatigue was to blame for their inability to threaten United, and in extra time, they made some costly mistakes which allowed Fadlu Davids' men to put the game to bed.

Fileccia completed his brace with a powerful header in the first half of extra time, and the goal somewhat dented Swallows' hopes of upsetting the odds. 

Swallows' confidence suffered a huge knock, and they were punished in the closing the stages of the second half of extra time by Mxolisi Kunene, who blasted his shot into the top corner to make it 3-1 to Maritzburg United. 

Elsewhere, Chippa United registered a comfortable 2-0 win over ABC Motsepe League side Phiva Young Stars. 

Coach Teboho Moloi handed new signing Luis Misquissone his debut, but there was no sign of Edward Manqele, who also joined the Port Elizabeth-based side on Friday night.  

It wasn't as easy as the scoreline may suggest for the Chilli Boys, but finding the back very early in the game helped ease the pressure on them. 

Ayabulela Konqobe slotted the ball past Phiva Young Stars goalkeeper Baloyi after 14 minutes. 

Thabo Rakhale orchestrated most of Chippa's attacks from the midfield, but it wasn't surprising at all given his experience in the topflight. 

The former Orlando Pirates winger grabbed an assist as he played Linda Mntambo through with a defence-splitting pass, and the former Jomo Cosmos marksman made no mistake from inside the box. 

Phiva Young Stars had two chances to score in the closing stages of the first half, but goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo produced two magnificent saves to keep the home side at bay. 

Chances were few and far between in the second half, but credit should be given to Young Stars for standing their ground against the Chilli Boys, ensuring that they keep the scoreline respectable.  

Elliot Nana was denied by Mhlongo towards the end of the encounter, but Mntambo is surely kicking himself for wasting a glorious chance to grab his brace a few minutes from time. 

But in the end, the two goals were enough for Chippa to advance to the next round. 

Lastly, Steenburg United secured a spot in the Last 16 of this year's Nedbank Cup after beating Orbit College 3-1 at Parow Park Stadium.