Egyptian marksman Ahmed Gamal saved a timid Bidvest Wits from the jaws of defeat when he scored a brace in extra time as they booted out their cup nemesis Free State Stars 4-2 in the last-16 of the Telkom Knockout cup here last night.
Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Siphelele Mthembu had brought Stars back into the match when he levelled matters from the penalty spot 15 minutes from time after Sinethemba Jantjie was hacked down by Nazeer Allie in the area.
First-half goals by Wits defender Bongani Khumalo and Gamal, sandwiched in between by Thabo Maphakisa's strike, had looked enough to give Gavin Hunt a hard fought win before Ea Lla Koto were rewarded what looked like a soft penalty.
The match started with the Students camping in Stars' half but failing on many occasions to produce the final ball to test Ivorian Ali Sangare in goal.It was after match referee Daniel Bennett had awarded Wits a free kick just outside the centre line on the right that the first goal of this poorly attended match on a very cold Johannesburg night was delivered.
Wits' Malawian attacking midfield player Gerald Phiri lifted the ball to the head of Khumalo, who headed it in, with defenders Rooi Mahamutsa and Guinean Bangaly Keita giving him plenty of space to aim for his spot inside the area in the 20th minute.
It looked like Stars were keen on putting up a strong fight when Maphakisa beat Darren Keet in Wits' goal to equalise with a low shot just outside the area four minutes later.
But another Wits set-piece from 27m two minutes from half time caused havoc when Mahamutsa handled it inside the box, handing Gamal a chance from the penalty spot...