Kaizer Chiefs survived a nervous afternoon but advanced to the quarterfinals of the Telkom Knockout following a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory over Black Leopards, after a 1-1 draw at the FNB Stadium on Sunday.
Chiefs, entering a fourth season without silverware, had to come from behind in the game after Phathutshedzo Nange had put Leopards ahead.
But Pule Ekstein equalized for Chiefs in the second half to send the game to extra-time, after which goalkeeper Virgil Vries, in for the rested Itumeleng Khune, saved two penalties in the shoot-out.
The game itself was balanced, with both sides creating numerous chances to win in normal time.
Chiefs also hit the woodwork on three occasions through Bernard Parker, Willard Katsande and Ryan Moon, while Leopards struck the frame of the goal via Lesedi Kapinga.
It will be relief for Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas, who would have been under extreme pressure in defeat, especially with the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates to come on Saturday.
SuperSport United also advanced to the quarterfinals via a penalty shoot-out as they beat Polokwane City 6-5 following a 1-1 draw at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
SuperSport took the lead with 13 minutes remaining via a close-range effort from Thuso Phala, but City equalized in injury-time as Edgar Manaka headed home a corner.
There never looked like being a winner in extra-time as the pace of the game slowed to a standstill, but SuperSport ended victorious when Ayanda Nkili blazed over for the home side.
The pair join holders BidVest Wits, Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Maritzburg United and Baroka FC in the quarterfinals, with one more first round match played on Tuesday when AmaZulu entertain Cape Town City.