Thamsanqa Gabuza

Thamsanqa Gabuza of Supersport United celebrates goal with teammates during the MTN8 2019 Quarter Final match between Bidvest Wits and Supersport UnitedSporting on the 18 August 2019 at Bidvest Stadium Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

MTN8 results: All four semifinalists confirmed after Supersport beat Wits

Supersport United joined Polokwane City, Highlands Park and Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semifinals after beating Bidvest Wits to book a spot in the last four.

Thamsanqa Gabuza

Thamsanqa Gabuza of Supersport United celebrates goal with teammates during the MTN8 2019 Quarter Final match between Bidvest Wits and Supersport UnitedSporting on the 18 August 2019 at Bidvest Stadium Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

The semifinalists of the 2019 MTN8 were confirmed on Sunday afternoon, with Supersport United joining the pack after beating Bidvest Wits 3-0 on Sunday afternoon.

Matsatsansa, who were losing finalists in the previous edition, overcame the Students through second-half goals from Bradley Grobler and new signing Thamsanqa Gabuza, who netted a brace. 

They join Polokwane City, Highlands Park and Mamelodi Sundowns, who all registered victories in their respective quarterfinal fixtures, with Cape Town City, Orlando Pirates and Bloemfontein Celtic all missing out.

MTN 8 results on Saturday

Cape Town City 0-2 Polokwane City

Cape Town City’s title defence faltered on the first hurdle when they were defeated by Polokwane City at Newlands on Saturday. Mohammad Anas netted the opener in the 26th minute, and it would take until the dying moments of the game for the visitors to double the lead, with Carlton Masumba providing the goods.

This meant there would be no repeat of last year’s heroics for Benni McCarthy’s men, who had, up until then, made the final in all their appearances in the competition.

Orlando Pirates 0-1 Highlands Park

Another team to be eliminated while playing at home was Orlando Pirates, who suffered a third consecutive defeat when they were beaten by Highlands Park at Orlando Stadium on Saturday night. It took a late strike from Wayde Jooste to seal the deal for the Lions of the North, who progressed to the semis in their first appearance in the MTN8. 

For the Buccaneers, the hunt for a first trophy since 2014 continues, and is made even trickier by the recent departure of head coach Milutin Sredojevic.

Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 Bloemfontein Celtic

There was to be no upset at Lucas Moripe Stadium, where Mamelodi Sundowns survived a scare to book a spot in the semi-finals.

The defending league champions beat Bloemfontein Celtic 3-1, with all goals coming in the second half.

Ndumiso Mabena broke the deadlock for the visitors in the 56th minute with a superbly taken free kick from the edge of the box. It looked as if Phunya Sele Sele would walk off victorious until nervous defence earned the hosts a penalty, with Themba Zwane slotting it in. Further goals from Mosa Lebusa and Keletso Makgalwa sealed the deal for the Brazilians.