Mamelodi Sundowns grind past Tshwane rivals to reach last four of MTN 8

Mamelodi Sundowns left it late but emerged as 2-0 winners of their MTN 8 quarterfinal against SuperSport United on Sunday.

An early chance fell to Peter Shalulile but the Sundowns striker couldn’t get enough power on his shot on the turn.

Mamelodi Sundowns make a tentative start

SuperSport threatened on the counter-attack with Jesse Donn managing to create some uncomfortable moments for the hosts.

The best early chance for SuperSport fell to Bradley Grobler who came close to getting a touch on a ball into the box from Iqraam Rayners at close range.

Mokoena was the man who provided Sundowns with their cut and thrust in the first half but he was often asked to drop very deep to get the ball.

As half time approached Gamphani Lungu was set off on his travels and his ball into Rayners was just about perfect, however, Ronwen Williams produced a sharp low save to deny his former club.

A setpiece late in the first half produced nervous moments at the back for SuperSport United but the first half was ended early by the referee who appeared to forget to play stoppage time and Matsatsantsa would have been relieved to hear the merciful blast.

The first half was a bit of a chess match, with Sundowns prevented from attacking up the middle and SuperSport just about dealing with the threat from the air.

Rayners and Lungu were the players troubling Sundowns with their speed and ability to take on and beat defenders with the ball at their feet.

Tebogo Mokoena pulled the strings for Sundowns in the midfield but Neo Maema struggled with the pace of the game in the first 45 and was the weak link for the defending champions.

The deadlock would not be broken in the first half but the teams had to be separated on the night in the fourth MTN 8 quarterfinal to join Amazulu, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs in the last four.

Early in the second half Mudau backed his weaker foot on the volley but his shot threatened only to send the ball flying out of the stadium.

Thatayaone Ditlhokwe was the engine of the defensive unit for SuperSport and a knock for him early in the second half threatened to change the game.

Sundowns showed a threat on the counter thanks to the pace of Morena and the energy of Mokoena.

Just after the hour, Gavin Hunt introduced Yandisa Mfolozi who immediately stamped his authority on the game with a foul on Peter Shalulile.

Sundowns responded by withdrawing Maema and bringing on the exciting Marcelo Allende with 63 minutes played.

Just five minutes later Abubeker Nasir was introduced in place of Khuliso Mudau.

Rayners continued to be a problem for the Sundowns backline but couldn’t find a clinical finish.

In the 74th minute, Thulani Hlatshwayo became the first man to go into the book with a cynical foul.

Allende would prove to be the super sub as he latched onto a loose ball after Shalulile was afforded far too much time and space and the South American would lash the ball into the net to give Sundowns an 81st minute lead.

Shalulile squandered two more great chances to stretch Sundowns lead shortly afterwards and he would be withdrawn for Sipho Mbule in the 86th minute.

Mfolozi was lucky not to be red carded after he cut down Nasir who was clear on the breakaway.

However, Nasir would not be denied as Sundowns worked an opportunity from the subsequent free kick and the Ethiopian netted the goal that secured the victory.

Teams 

Mamelodi Sundowns XI: Williams, Mudau, Lakay, B. Onyango, De Reuck, Mokoena, Jali, Maema, Zwane, Morena, Shalulile. Subs: D. Onyango, Nasir, Lebusa, Ralani, Mkhulise, Modiba, Mbule, Mvala, Allende.

SuperSport United XI: Chigova, Ditlhlokwe, Hlatshwayo, Fleurs, Lungu, Bhasera, Donn, Mbatha, Maziko, Grobler, Rayners. Subs: Pule, Johannes, Rapoo, Mfolozi, Nhlapo, Ngoma, Webber, Mswanganyi, Gabuza.