Free State left it till late in their difficult encounter against Kwazulu-Natal, who played brilliant football but missed several chances which could have sealed victory for them. With the Bloemfontein crowd firmly behind them, the home side was given a lifeline when the KZN defence handled the ball in the box. Captain Ipeleng Seepamore scored from the penalty spot to reduce the deficit. But the hero of the day was Khotso Moleko who netted the equaliser with just less than five minutes left on the clock - breaking the hearts of their opponents who were almost assured of a semi-final berth.
Limpopo was watching the proceedings with keen interest, and had nothing to worry about as they finished top of Group A with seven points. They are equal with Free State but the visitors have a better goal difference. The University Sports South Africa team moved up to third place after defeating the Eastern Cape two-nil. USSA has now won two matches after losing their first two - ending on six points. KZN finished a disappointing fourth while Eastern Cape is bottom of the log.
In Group A, Gauteng registered three wins out of four matches with a 5-1 demolition job on a hapless North West. Gauteng lead the pack with nine points - same number of points as second-placed Northern Cape, but the latter has an inferior goal difference. Gauteng coach Nico Fisher, kept a close eye on the Free State vs KZN clash and had this to say after the final whistle,” It's going to be an interesting semi-final against the hosts, but I have studied them and I know how to beat them.” When asked about the support the home side is enjoying, Fisher was unfazed,” That doesn't worry me, my boys have played in front of big and hostile crowds before and they know what to, “said Fisher.
After losing two-nil to Northern Cape in the battle of the Cape, Western Cape exited the tournament after finishing third with six points. Mpumalanga ended in fourth place with three points - equal with fifth-placed North West.
In the 20 group stage matches, 41 goals were scored in Group A, while Group B could only manage four less - a total of 78.
On Friday the first semi-final sees Limpopo taking on the Northern Cape at one in the afternoon, and two hours later Gauteng will be up against Free State.
The final is on Saturday at three.
