Baroka FC'S phenomenal giant-killing spree continued as they reached the semifinal of the Nedbank Cup for the second time in five years on Sunday.
This is despite never having played in the top flight of the domestic game.
On Sunday they beat Polokwane City 2-0 in Polokwane.
The National First Division front-runners have now taken three top-flight scalps in their way to this year's last four, but, even more incredibly, did so playing a changed lineup featuring several of their fringe players.
Top scorer Thabiso Kutumela was again left out, but his absence was unnoticed as Albert Mothupa and Collins Makgaka scored the goals to advance the minnows into the last four, alongside Free State Stars, Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United.
Baroka FC were handed an away semifinal against SuperSport United in the Nedbank Cup on the opening weekend of next month, while Free State Stars have a home tie against Orlando Pirates.
The draw for the last four was conducted at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium after the National First Division front-runners booked their semifinal berth.
What was expected to be a wild, pacey game between two teams who only know how to play one way -- on the attack - proved rather pedestrian through the first 40 minutes.
There was a high turn-over of possession, too many mistakes, wayward shooting and a lack of creativity.
But it suddenly came alive in the 42nd minute when Baroka swung in a free kick that Jacky Motshegwa hammered against the crossbar with a flying header and fullback Mothupa followed up from close range.
Within two minutes, Baroka were two up as the persistence on the flanks of Donald Mokondelela, later voted man of the match, saw him keep possession despite several defensive challenges before setting up Makgaka with a curling cross.
Baroka, who upset Chippa United and Lamontville Golden Arrows in the previous two rounds, brought on Kutumela soon after the break but it was Motshegwa who had all the chances in the second half.
He missed four opportunities to extend the lead.
Julio Leal pushed more attacking players on for Polokwane in an attempt to get back into the game.
But it made no impact on the minnows .
Polokwane City, who now meet Orlando Pirates in the league on Wednesday, made only one real effort in the second half when Jorry Matjila's flying shot forced a diving save out of Oscraine Masuluke in the latter stages.
Baroka were also semifinalists in 2011, and their victims then included Kaizer Chiefs and Moroka Swallows.
"We'll take anyone of the others in the final, we are an elephant in this province," said Baroka coach Kgoloko Thobejane after Sunday's game.
Source : Timeslive.co.za
