By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Mamelodi Sundowns have been knocked out of the Nedbank Cup following a 2-0 defeat to TS Galaxy at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Divine Lunga’s weak pass to Marcelo Allende was intercepted by Siphamandla Ngwenya, who had no problem beating Denis Onyango.
It became worse for the Brazilians in the 32nd minute as Thato Sibiya brought down Seluleko Mahlambi in the area to give Junior Zindoga a chance to make it 2-0.
Two goals down at the break, Sundowns looked for an early response in the second half and Thapelo Morena almost made an immediate impact off the bench when he latched onto a pass from Kegan Johannes inside the box and forced a save out of Eliezer Tape in the 49th minute.
Tape was also required to tip Malibongwe Khoza’s shot over the bar and showed quick reflexes to keep out Tashreeq Matthews’ curler as Sundowns pushed to get back into the cup-tie.
Sundowns continued to pile on the pressure with the clock ticking, but the Rockets preserved the lead and advanced to the quarter-finals, ending the visitors cup journey.
Nedbank Cup Results
Amazulu 1-0 Richard Bay
Golden Arrows 1-1 Stellies
Orlando Pirates (4) 0-0 (5) Casric Stars.