MTN8 semi-final results: Cape Town City 1-0 Mamelodi Sundowns

Cape Town City grabbed the early initiative as they ran off 1-0 winners against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Citizens made it four wins in six clashes against the Brazilians since their entry into the top flight, and now have one foot in a second consecutive final in the competition.

MTN8: Cape Town City 1-0 Mamelodi Sundowns

The first real chance of the contest landed in the way of the home side – courtesy of Matthew Rusike’s boot – who fired a stinger in the near post, forcing Kennedy Mweene into a reflex save.

Sundowns were soon to respond at the other end when a seemingly tame shot from Sphelele Mkhulise beat an outstretched Peter Leeuwenburgh and went agonisingly wide of the target.

Tariq Fielies had perhaps the best chance of the first half as Mweene lost his footing attempting to clear an Ayanda Patosi corner kick but – with an opening goal at his mercy – the towering defender’s header only succeeded in deflecting the ball towards the touchline.

Shortly after the players returned from the tunnel, it was again City on the move, and they came agonisingly close once more as Calvin Martin’s backheel went wide.

Mkhulise – who spent last season on loan with Black Leopards – almost marked his return to the top flight with a goal but his long-range effort crashed against the upright.

Sundowns coach, Pitso Mosimane made a significant change in the closing 20 minutes, bringing on defender Tebogo Langerman in the place of forward Jose Ali Meza, who had been a menace on attack throughout the whole contest.

With just 15 minutes remaining on the clock, the extra reinforcement at the back did not prove effective, as Fielies made up for his earlier miss with an expertly taken finish to finally break the deadlock in the hosts’ favour.

Instead of spurring on the trailing side, the breakthrough seemed to inspire City as they went in search of a second goal, coming close on a couple of occasions towards the end.

However, Tony Silva could have grabbed an equaliser, but he failed to land the faintest of touches on a Langerman cross with just two minutes left to play.

There would be no further goals from either side, as McCarthy’s men go into the second leg the happier of the two sides.

The second semi-final takes place on Sunday afternoon at Lucas Moripe Stadium, where Supersport United will be hosting Kaizer Chiefs.