Mamelodi Sundowns advanced to the final of the Carling Black Label Cup after defeating AmaZulu 3-0 on Saturday morning.
Carling Black Label Cup
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 AmaZulu
Date: 12 November 2022
Venue: FNB Stadium
Sundowns had a much changed line-up from their win over Royal AM, voted by fans, as the likes of Bongani Zungu, Andile Jali, Gaston Sirino and Gift Motupa got a run.
Usuthu, meanwhile, also had changes in their voted line-up, with Lehlohonolo Majoro, Keagan Buchanan and Veluyeke Zulu among those returning.
The Brazilians started brightly, as Cassius Mailula opened the scoring inside five minutes with a shot in the box that took a deflection off Makhehleni Makhaula, wrong-footed and sailed over goalkeeper Veli Mothwa.
Rulani Mokwena's charges continued to enjoy more attacking moments and Mailula had a big chance on the half-hour mark after going clear on goal but his low shot was smothered by Mothwa from close-range.
Sundowns remained on the front foot as Motupa had a good chance just before the interval after a cut-back by Mailula found him unmarked in the box but his low curling shot was deflected just wide.
Usuthu combined well going forward after the halftime break after the introduction of Rally Bwalya and Mbongeni Gumede, as Gabadinho Mhango had a big chance 11 minutes in after going through on goal but his low shot drew a low reflex save from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
After a slow start in the second stanza, the Brazilians made a double tactical change shortly before the hour-mark as Mailula and Motupa made way for Bradley Ralani and Haashim Domingo.
Mokwena's charges looked lively after that as Domingo doubled their lead with 21 minutes to go after applying a tap-in on the far side from a cut-back by Sirino.
With Usuthu pinned back, Ralani put the game to bed for the Brazilians four minutes later with a sumptuous curler that looped over Mothwa and found the top corner.
Sundowns handed Rivaldo Coetzee his first appearance of the season in the last 15 minutes, off the bench, after his long-term injury lay-off, as they managed the game in the closing stages and setup a meeting with the winner between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in the final.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Morena, Kekana, De Reuck, Mudau, Zwane, Jali, Sirino, Allende, Mailula, Kutumela
AmaZulu: Mothwa, Sikhakhane, Mphahlele, Hanamub, Mobara, Maluleka, Maduna, Ndlovu, Makaula, Mhango, Majoro
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