Carling Knockout wrap: Gallants win thriller as CT City cruise past Royal AM

Gallants secured their place in the last eight with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Polokwane City at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium in a match that twice saw them fight back from a one-goal deficit.

Polokwane took an early lead through Hlayisi Chauke but Gallants quickly responded, with Siyabulela Shai leveling the scores, only for Rise and Shine to retake the lead via Puleng Marema's penalty after a handball in the box.

Again, Polokwane found a response when they equalized courtesy of Monde Mphambaniso's header, and they would take the lead for the first time just before half-time when Shai played provider for Edgar Manaka to convert in decisive fashion.

Both teams created opportunities in the second half, with Polokwane's Bulelani Nikani and Sammy Seabi coming close, while Gallants nearly extended their lead through Manaka. Despite late pressure from Polokwane, Gallants held firm, with Washington Arubi making key saves to maintain their narrow advantage.

In the end, Gallants' tactical substitutions, including bringing on Gabadinho Mhango for added attacking power, helped them see out the match and progress to the next round of the competition.

Cape Town City, meanwhile, had a much easier time of it at the Athlone Stadium as they advanced courtesy of a comfortable 3-0 win over Royal AM.

Amadou Soukouna opened the scoring just before half-time after debutant Siphamandla Dondolo set him up with a clever cutback. City dominated possession and continued to push after the break and Jaedin Rhodes doubled the lead with a well-placed shot from the edge of the box to put the game further out of reach.

Royal AM struggled to create opportunities, while Cape Town City maintained control throughout, and in the final 12 minutes, youth international Jody Ah Shene sealed the victory with a fine first-touch finish.

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