By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: GalloImages.
Mamelodi Sundowns edged Polokwane City 3-2 in a thrilling five-goal MTN8 quarter-final showdown at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday night.
The visitors made the most of their lively start by opening the scoring after just seven minutes when some poor defending on a set-piece allowed an unmarked Bonginkosi Dlamini to pop up at the far post and fire home from a tight angle.
Sundowns looked for a quick reply and had a couple of near misses, before their first attempt on target in the 20th minute which saw Tashreeq Matthews power a header toward the top corner, only for goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula to tip the effort over the crossbar.
The subsequent corner kick then saw Antonio van Wyk tee up Teboho Mokoena, who sidestepped one defender before driving a low, left-footed drive into the corner of the net to make it 1-1 in the 21st minute.
Sundowns claimed the lead just past the half-hour mark, as Van Wyk capitalised on a defensive error from Tlou Nkwe before directing a shot beyond Mathebula for 2-1 in the 31st minute – and a goal on debut for Sundowns.
The hosts held the lead at the break and appeared in control through the first 15 minutes of the second half, until Rise and Shine equalised out of nowhere.
A dead-ball situation brought on some indecision in the ‘Downs defence, and Tidimalo Molokwane was able to nick the ball just ahead of Ronwen Williams and tuck home for 2-2 on the hour mark.
Sundowns almost snatched a regulation-time win when substitute Aubrey Modiba struck for goal from a free kick in the dying minutes, but his effort flashed just wide of the target, leaving the game headed for an extra 30 minutes.
Extra time saw Sundowns continue their dominance (with the occasional counter attacking threat from City), until they finally reclaimed the lead in the 113th minute, with substitutes Thema Zwane and Cassius Mailula combining for the latter to strike home a low drive from the edge of the box to secure a 3-2 triumph for the Brazilians.
Meanwhile Orlando Pirates booked their spot in the semi-finals of the MTN8 after a 2-1 over ten-man Durban City in extra-time on Saturday afternoon.
Adding even greater anticipation to this year’s tournament is the return of Kaizer Chiefs. After missing out on last season’s MTN8, Amakhosi are back among South Africa’s elite and eager to make an immediate statement in this year’s competition. They host Golden Arrows on Sunday.