Jacksa Spears march into Nedbank Cup quarter-finals after hard-fought win over Vasco

JACKSA Spears ensured that the ABC Motsepe League will have representation in the last eight of the Nedbank Cup after grinding out a determined 1-0 victory against Vasco da Gama in their Round of 16 clash at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium in Upington on Sunday afternoon.

The result guarantees that at least one third-tier side will feature in the quarter-finals of this year’s Nedbank Cup, with Jacksa proving resilient under sustained pressure from their Western Cape opponents.

Vasco began brightly and dictated proceedings in the opening quarter hour. Tristan van der Lingen registered the first effort on target with a strike from distance, but Sanele Mbombo was equal to the task in the Jacksa goal.

The Cape Town outfit continued to push forward, enjoying the majority of possession and creating further chances. Kabelo Tsenodi, however, reminded Vasco of the threat at the other end when he forced Luther Jacobs into a sharp save from inside the box in the 16th minute.

Kiyaam Bull tried his luck from 35 yards out as Vasco increased their shot count, while Van der Lingen came close with a header from near range that Mbombo gathered comfortably. Despite their dominance, Vasco could not turn pressure into goals.

Jacksa struck a decisive blow just before the interval. A slick passing move carved open the defence, and Itumeleng Olyn applied the finishing touch from close range in the 41st minute to hand the hosts a valuable lead heading into the break.

Vasco resumed the second half on the front foot, pinning Jacksa back as they searched for an equaliser. The home side struggled to advance upfield as waves of attacks tested their defensive resolve.

The contest shifted in Jacksa’s favour in the 53rd minute when Bull was shown a red card, reducing Vasco to 10 men. With the numerical advantage, Jacksa began to venture forward more confidently.

Still, Vasco remained dangerous. In the 80th minute, Cameron Chweu unleashed a long-range effort that required another important save from Jacobs to keep his side within touching distance.

Jacksa finished the encounter strongly, unsettling the Vasco backline in the closing stages while maintaining their defensive discipline to protect the slender advantage.

When the final whistle sounded, it confirmed a memorable progression for the Spears, who now look ahead to a quarter-final appearance and the opportunity to continue their cup run against higher-ranked opposition.

Scorers: Jacksa Spears 1 (Olyn 41'), Vasco da Gama 0