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Cape Town - Although they were seen as favourites, Polokwane City could not overcome Baroka FC as they succumbed to a 2-0 loss in their Nedbank Cup quarterfinal tie at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Goals in the first half from Albert Mothupa and Collins Makgaka allowed the National First Division log leaders to book their spot in the semifinals - joining Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United and Free State Stars.
The highly anticipated Limpopo match started on a high tempo with both sides aiming for an early lead, but there were no chances in the first 10 minutes as City enjoyed the majority of ball possession.
Julio Leal's men were awarded a set piece in the 25th minute and skipper Jabulani Maluleke played it brilliantly into the area, but the national First Division side dealt with the danger.
Baroka's Dumisani Ngwenya took a shot in the 29th minute following good interplay in the heart of the park, but goalkeeper George Chigova was alert to safely collect the low shot.
Three minutes before the half-hour mark, Albert Mothupa laid the ball for Donald Mukondelela in the box, but the latter couldn't keep his effort down.
Baroka finally grabbed the lead in the 43rd minute when Mothupa was quick to pounce on the rebound after their initial attempt hit the woodwork from a header by Jackie Motshegwa, 1-0.
The NFD side were not done yet and completed their double when Mukondelela cut through City players from the right flank before setting up Makgaka to slot it home in the 45th minute.
It was 2-0 at the interval with Kgoloko Thobejane's men taking the game to the Citizens.
In the 54th minute, Tlolane tried to pull one back for the hosts after a corner, but his shot sailed wide off Masuluke's top corner.
A minute later Chigova stopped Motshegwa's shot from close range.
In the 61st minute, Tshepo Tema saw his shot going straight into Masuluke's hands.
The NFD log leaders continued their dominance over City, but their decision making in the box was disappointing.
With 14 minutes remaining, Thabiso Kutumela was denied by Chigova when he received a great pass from Motshegwa in the box as his attempt was parried away.
City pushed forward in the 85th minute when Cole Alexander unleashed a well taken shot which was on its way to the top corner, but Masuluke produced a brilliant save to parry it away for a corner.
In the end, Rise and Shine failed to break their opponents down and they crashed out of the competition.
Polokwane City: (0) 0
Baroka FC: (2) 2 (Mothupa 43', Makgaka 45')
