Mailula’s extra-time winner books Sundowns into MTN8 semi-finals

Cassius Mailula marked his return to Mamelodi Sundowns with a 113th-minute winner as the Brazilians defeated Polokwane City 3-2 in a tense MTN8 quarter-final at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday night.

The forward struck from close range with penalties looming, securing Sundowns a place in the competition’s two-legged semi-finals after a match that swung between both sides.

Mailula, known as ‘Cash Money’, had endured a frustrating spell away from the club in the United States, Morocco and Belgium. His late goal provided a decisive first contribution since returning to the Sundowns squad.

For their opening match of the season, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made several notable selections. Debutant Antonio Van Wyk was handed a start, while Bennet Mokoena was also included in an attacking line-up.

Returning goalkeeper Ricardo Goss and Mailula were named among the substitutes. Polokwane City’s new coach Willy Moloto, meanwhile, largely kept faith with the side he inherited from Phuti Mohafe.

Moloto selected the experience of Tlou Nkwe, Lebohang Nkaki, Manuel Kambala, Rodney Maphangukle and Bonginkosi Dlamini, and City remained competitive until the closing stages.

City took the lead after seven minutes when Dlamini fired into the net after the Sundowns defence failed to clear a dipping ball delivered from the left.

Sundowns responded by pushing forward and came close to an equaliser in the 21st minute. Tashreeq Matthews rose above the defenders to meet a cross from the right, but his close-range header was kept out by goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula.

The visitors’ advantage did not last much longer. Teboho Mokoena collected a pass from debutant Van Wyk and unleashed one of his trademark powerful strikes to beat Mathebula and restore parity.

Mokoena then required treatment after being caught on the ankle by a studs-up challenge from Surprise Mathonsi. The midfielder’s injury briefly raised fears that he might need to be carried from the pitch, but referee Philangenkosi Khumalo did not show Mathonsi a yellow card and Mokoena was able to continue.

Sundowns completed the turnaround shortly after half-time. Van Wyk was left unchallenged inside the area and finished from close range after City failed to close him down.

Polokwane City were forced to make a change before the hour when Mathebula went off with an injury. Ayanda Ngwenya replaced him in goal.

City levelled again after 60 minutes when Tidimalo Molokwane capitalised on confusion in the Sundowns defence. He rounded goalkeeper Ronwen Williams before placing the ball into the net.

Cardoso responded with an attacking triple substitution, sending on Aubrey Modiba, Kutlwano Letlhaku and Mailula for Fawaaz Basadien, Van Wyk and Iqraam Rayners.

Modiba was used in an advanced inverted role, while Letlhaku and Mailula were brought on to provide different attacking options and put pressure on Edwin Ramaja and Nkaki.

With eight minutes remaining, Cardoso added veteran striker Lebo Mothiba in place of Mokoena. Themba Zwane was introduced later as Sundowns continued to look for a way through.

Moloto also attempted to change the course of the game by bringing on Banele Mnguni and Raymond Daniels for Moketsi Bathlabane and Dlamini, but City could not regain the initiative.

The match appeared destined for a penalty shootout until Mailula finished from close range in extra time, reintroducing himself to the Sundowns supporters in the most dramatic fashion.

There will be little time for Sundowns to savour the victory. They begin their Betway Premiership campaign away to TS Galaxy in Nelspruit on Tuesday, while Polokwane City were due to host Stellenbosch FC in Seshego.