Former star Jomo Sono plots South African FA Cup shock

Johannesburg (AFP) – Baroka became the eighth top-flight club to crash out of the South African FA Cup in the first round when they fell 1-0 at home Tuesday against second-tier Jomo Cosmos.

Inky Masuku scored the lone goal on 29 minutes, taking advantage of being unmarked in the penalty area to fire a low cross past Zimbabwean goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze.

Baroka were eliminated from the premier South African cup competition just one month after stunning hot favourites Orlando Pirates to lift the League Cup.

Cosmos had written themselves off before the round-of-32 clash with coach/owner and former national star Jomo Sono saying: “Sometimes it is not good to daydream. 

“This cup tie is not even an issue of David versus Goliath. To be honest and frank, we do not fancy our chances of survival.”

After the match, one-time Pirates idol Sono said scoring first at Peter Mokaba Stadium in northern region capital Polokwane was crucial. 

“We are good at protecting a lead. Baroka took the ball wide and sent in lots of crosses, which was fine as we have tall defenders who won everything in the air.”

The best chance for lacklustre Baroka came early in the opening half when unmarked Tebogo Sodi headed over from close range with only impressive goalkeeper Cyril Chibwe to beat. 

Zambia-born Baroka coach Wedson Nyirenda was furious after the unexpected loss, believing the damage was self-inflicted.

“Our attackers wasted so many chances and I sensed that we would be punished for complacent finishing. 

“Congratulations to deserved winners Cosmos. They came with a plan based on counter-attacking and executed it well.”

Top-flight clubs who were eliminated last weekend included trophy-holders Free State Stars, 2018 runners-up Maritzburg United and giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Pirates.

Meanwhile, The Magic lived up their name by becoming the only third-tier qualifiers for the next stage after edging second-division Maccabi 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in Soweto. 

A TV studio in Johannesburg will host the round-of-16 draw Thursday in a competition with a seven million rand (about $515,000/450,000 euro) first prize.