Mamelodi Sundowns advanced to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals after defeating Sekhukhune United 1-0 in extra-time on Friday night.
Nedbank Cup
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Sekhukhune United
Date: 28 March 2025
Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium
Ronwen Williams, Grant Kekana and Iqraam Rayners started for the Brazilians despite being in the Bafana Bafana squad that were in Cote d'Ivoire on Tuesday, while Jayden Adams and Teboho Mokoena, Peter Shalulile and Lucas Costa Ribeiro were named on the bench.
A number of fringe players were also given a run out on the night, including Neo Maema who was last in action with Bafana in an African Nations Championship qualifier earlier this month against Egypt.
The early exchanges proved to be an even exchange, with Sekhukhune looking to get an early goal with some forays down the left flank while Sundowns enjoyed more of the possession, although clear-cut chances were hard to come by.
Miguel Cardoso's charges took more control as the first half went on, but they were finding it tough to carve out chances, but they nearly fell behind on 37 minutes as Williams called upon to make a save on the goal-line from a free-kick.
Sundowns did get a sniff at goal just before the break when Arthur Sales did well to pick out Kekana, who saw his header brilliant turned away by goalkeeper Renaldo Learner.
Sekhukhune had the ball in the back of the net ten minutes into the second period when Trésor Yamba slammed home from close range, but the celebrations were cut short due to the defender being flagged for offside.Cardoso had seen enough after the hour mark and decided to make a triple change by introducing Ribeiro, Mokoena and Shalulile for Matias Esquivel, Maema and Rayners as the hosts went in search of the opening goal.
Ribeiro was in thick of things as usual as he carved out a big chance for Sales in the 82nd minute with a neat reverse pass, but the striker sent his effort high and wide with only Learner to beat in the box.
Sundowns thought they had bagged a late winner when Shalulile buried one at the far post however the goal was ruled out for an offside, although replays suggest the Namibian was onside, as the clash moved on to extra-time.
With the penalty shoot-out looming, Sundowns got the winning goal in the 118th minute as substitute Adams latched onto a loose ball in the box and fired home after some good work by Morena to send his side to the semi-final, where they will meet Chiefs.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Kekana, Suarez, Mdunyelwa, Cupido, Allende, Esquivel, Mashego, Maema, Sales, Rayners
Subs: Onyango, Khoza, Morena, Tiwani, Mokoena, Adams, Maseko, Ribeiro, Shalulile
Sekhukhune United: Leaner, Mogaila, Langa, Chibwabwa, Cardoso, Mkhize, Monare, Makgalwa, Rammala, Mncube, Ohizu.
Subs: Sangare, Mohamme, Shezi, Letlapa, Mtshali, Kapinga, Boyeli, Otladisa, Ngakosso
