Cassius Mailula extra-time winner sends Mamelodi Sundowns into MTN 8 semi-finals

Mamelodi Sundowns recovered from conceding an early goal to beat Polokwane City 3-2 after extra time and reach the MTN 8 semi-finals, with Cassius Mailula scoring the decisive goal.

Polokwane City took the lead in the seventh minute through Bonginkosi Dlamini after Sundowns had failed to take an earlier chance to break the deadlock. Their advantage lasted only 14 minutes, however, as Mamelodi Sundowns increased the pressure and Marcelo Allende began creating opportunities for the home side.

Bennet Mokoena was presented with a chance to equalise from an Allende delivery in the ninth minute but put his effort wide. Eleven minutes later, Bennet Mokoena found Tashreeq Mathews, whose shot forced a fine save from the Polokwane City goalkeeper and resulted in a corner.

Allende took the corner short to Antonio Van Wyk, who then supplied Teboho Mokoena. The midfielder made no mistake to bring Sundowns level. Teboho Mokoena almost completed a quick double a minute later, but the goalkeeper again kept him out.

Sundowns eventually moved in front 10 minutes later. Iqraam Rayners picked out new team-mate Antonio Van Wyk, who scored his first goal for the club to give the hosts the lead for the first time.

Polokwane City, known as Rise and Shine, had an opportunity to restore parity before the interval when Dlamini found the net with a header. The effort was ruled out for offside, leaving Sundowns ahead at half-time.

Two minutes after the restart, Teboho Mokoena created an opening for Fawaaz Basadien, but Basadien missed the target. That proved costly when Polokwane City drew level again in the 60th minute through Tidimalo Molokwane.

Teboho Mokoena had another chance to put Sundowns back in front six minutes later, only to shoot over the crossbar. The home side then came close to settling the contest in stoppage time, but Aubrey Modiba missed the target from a set-piece.

The match therefore went into extra time. The first half of the additional period produced several narrow opportunities for the home side, while Allende came close to securing victory in the second half. Themba Zwane also had a chance, but both players were denied by Ayanda Ngwenya.

Mailula finally had the decisive say. He converted from a pass by Mshishi to give Mamelodi Sundowns a 3-2 victory and send them through to the last four of the MTN 8.

Sundowns’ starting XI was Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Mothobi Mvala? Noaccording to the team listed, it was Williams, Mudau, Johannes, Kekana, Basadien, Mokoena, Allende, Matthews, Van Wyk, Rayners and B. Mokoena.

Polokwane City started with Mathebula, Mathonsi, Nkwe, Nkaki, Ramja, Kambala, Maphangule, Bathlabane, Dlamini, Philander and Molokwane.