Red Star through to Serbian football cup semis, Partizan knocked out on penalties

BELGRADE - Title holders Red Star Belgrade are through to the semi-finals of the Serbian football cup after a 2-1 home win over Novi Pazar in the quarter-finals on Wednesday evening, while arch-rivals Partizan lost on penalties to TSC Backa Topola.

At the Rajko Mitic Stadium, Cherif Ndiaye put Red Star in the lead in the sixth minute following a Young-woo Seol cross, and Timi Max Elsnik headed home to make it 2-0 in the 20th minute after a Guelor Kanga corner kick.

Abdoulaye Cisse scored for the visitors in the 29th minute following an Adem Ljajic assist.

TSC defeated Partizan 10-9 away in a penalty shootout after Bibras Natcho missed a spot kick for the Belgrade Black-and-Whites.

The game at the Partizan Stadium ended 0-0 in regular time.

The other two semi-finalists are Napredak Krusevac, who beat IMT Belgrade 2-1 at home, and Vojvodina Novi Sad, who defeated Radnicki Nis 1-0 away earlier in the day.

In last season's cup final, Red Star beat Vojvodina 2-1.