Holders SuperSport United were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup on Sunday but South Africa's cup kings Kaizer Chiefs advanced to the second round with a 3-0 home triumph over Lamontville Golden Arrows.
SuperSport, who have won the last two trophies, are out as they lost to Bloemfontein Celtic in a penalty shootout, continuing a poor run of form that stretches back to their defeat in last year's CAF Confederation Cup.
Celtic had the half-time lead in Bloemfontein through an Ndumiso Mabena penalty, but teenage talent Sipho Mbele equalised for SuperSport before the hour mark, ultimately taking the game to extra time and onto penalties.
Denwyn Farmer was the fall guy when his shot was saved, while all other penalties were converted for Celtic to win 5-4 on spotkicks. Their eccentric goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb ensured progress with the last kick of the contest.
Chiefs extended their unbeaten run over Arrows to 11 games as Ryan Moon, Bernard Parker and Joseph Molongoane all netted after half time.
However, the game was not as one sided as the scoreline suggested, with Chiefs keeper Itumeleng Khune making a string of superb saves to win the man-of-the-match award.
Moon steered a stinging square cross from Willard Katsande into the net from close range for the opening goal in the 53rd minute, with veteran Parker, in his first appearance of the year, doubling the score in the 81st minute.
Molongoane completed the scoring five minutes from time at the end of a flowing move that emphasised a strong second-half showing .
Khune pulled off a flying save to deny Vela Ndwandwe in the first half, and then stopped shots from Knox Mutizwa and Yusuf Jappie.
National First Division outfit Royal Eagles also advanced with a 1-0 victory over Happy Wanderers in Durban, while EC Bees from the third tier are also into the last 16 after winning away at fellow amateurs Mariveni United in Polokwane