Nedbank Cup – Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 SuperSport United: Masandawana edge Tshwane rivals
Sibusiso Vilakazi’s solitary goal was enough to hand the Brazilians the victory over a blunt Matsatsantsa side
Pitso Mosimane named a strong team with Mosa Lebusa making his return to the starting line-up after missing the recent win over Morocco‘s Wydad Casablanca in the Caf Champions League clash due to suspension.
Mosimane’s counterpart, Kaitano Tembo was also not taking any chances as Thamsanqa Gabuza made his return to the starting line-up after being benched in the recent PSL defeat to Lamontville Golden Arrows.
Although Matsatsantsa threatened first when Gabuza forced Masandawana goalkeeper Denis Onyango into a stunning low save, it was the hosts who broke the deadlock.
It was a beautiful team goal as Gaston Sirino set-up Thapelo Morena, whose lose cross was turned home by Sibusiso Vilakazi to make it 1-0 to Sundowns three minutes before the half-hour mark.
SuperSport then pressed the hosts as they searched for the equalizing goal, but Tembo’s charges were wasteful in front of goal as they could not seriously test Uganda international Onyango.
South Africa youth internationals Sipho Mbule and Tebogo Mokoena both unleashed shots which missed the target and the score was 1-0 to Sundowns during the half-time break.
Matsatsantsa continued to push for the equalizing goal after the restart and they were playing crosses into the box for their two frontmen Gabuza and Bradley Grobler.
However, Onyango was in top form on the night as the former SuperSport shot-stopper dealt well with dangerous curling crosses from Kudakwashe Mahachi and Grant Kekana.
Zambian attacker Ghampani Lungu was introduced by Tembo in the closing stages of the match as the visitors looked to snatch a late goal and take the match nto extra-time.
However, the hosts stood firm at the back and ultimately, Sundowns emerged 1-0 winners over SuperSport, who could not grab a late equalizer.
The victory saw Masandawana sneak into the Last 16, while Matsatsantsa bowed out of the lucrative tournament.
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