Siwelele FC have secured their place in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals after defeating Polokwane City 4-3 on penalties at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Round of 16 encounter ended 0-0 after 120 minutes of football, with neither side able to find the breakthrough in a tightly contested knockout match.

With the score still level after extra time, the tie went to a penalty shootout to determine which team would advance to the next round.

Siwelele goalkeeper Jody February emerged as a key figure in the decisive moments, saving two penalties to help his side eliminate Polokwane City and continue their cup campaign.

The victory represents an important achievement for Siwelele, who entered the match determined to progress in a competition that offers them an opportunity to challenge for silverware this season.

February's contribution proved crucial as the goalkeeper delivered when the pressure was at its highest. His two saves helped separate the sides after 120 minutes had failed to produce a goal.

For Polokwane City, the defeat brings their Carling Knockout campaign to an end at the Last 16 stage. Playing at home, Rise and Shine had hoped to secure qualification for the quarter-finals but were unable to convert the contest into a victory.

The match was also an opportunity for both teams to respond to their recent league meeting, which Siwelele won 1-0 on 18 October through a late goal from Michel N'Guessan.

That result had given Siwelele their first league victory of the campaign, and they have now followed it up by eliminating the same opponents from the domestic cup competition.

The latest success will provide encouragement for the Free State outfit as they look to build momentum across competitions.

Although neither team managed to score during regulation time or extra time, Siwelele maintained their composure in the penalty shootout and ultimately secured qualification.

Their progression also keeps their hopes of lifting the Carling Knockout trophy alive, while Polokwane City must now turn their attention back to the Betway Premiership.

Siwelele will await confirmation of their quarter-final opponents and fixture details as the competition moves into its next stage.

For February, the two penalty saves will stand out as the defining contribution in a match where the goalkeeper helped deliver a place in the last eight.

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