Mailula extra-time winner sends Mamelodi Sundowns into MTN8 semi-finals

Cassius Mailula marked his return to Mamelodi Sundowns with a dramatic extra-time winner as the African champions beat Polokwane City 3-2 in an MTN8 quarter-final at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening.

Mailula struck in the 113th minute to settle a thrilling contest and book Sundowns’ place in the semi-finals after Polokwane had twice threatened to upset the favourites.

Sundowns had fallen behind to Bonginkosi Dlamini’s early goal before Teboho Mokoena and Antonio Van Wyk turned the game around. Tidimalo Molokwane then restored parity for Polokwane City in the second half, forcing the tie into extra time.

The decisive moment eventually came from Mailula, who returned to Sundowns after spending the past two seasons away from the club.

The forward left at the end of the 2022/23 campaign to join Major League Soccer side Toronto FC. He subsequently spent time on loan at Wydad Casablanca and KV Kortrijk before rejoining Sundowns.

His winner completed an emotional evening for the Pretoria club, who were playing their first match of the season after not taking part on the opening weekend of the Betway Premiership.

It was also Sundowns’ first match since the death of former team-mate Jayden Adams last month. Adams’ parents were present at Lucas Moripe Stadium, adding to the sense of occasion for the African champions.

Polokwane made the stronger start and moved in front in the seventh minute, with Bonginkosi Dlamini controlling a corner amid a crowded penalty area before sending a low finish beyond Ronwen Williams and into the far corner.

The early setback appeared to jolt Sundowns into action. They responded by returning to the attacking, free-flowing football associated with Masandawana, and Mokoena led the revival.

The Bafana Bafana FIFA World Cup hero equalised in the 20th minute. After controlling a cross from Van Wyk, Mokoena drove a powerful strike into the Polokwane net.

Van Wyk, who joined Sundowns during the off-season from Stellenbosch FC, then completed an impressive debut by becoming the scorer rather than the provider. He gave his new side the lead with a well-timed finish on the half-hour mark.

Sundowns had an opportunity to increase their advantage before the interval. Fawaaz Basadien, making a rare start under coach Miguel Cardoso, produced a fine run down the left and delivered a precise cross to an unmarked Mokoena inside the six-yard box.

Mokoena, however, sent his header over the crossbar.

Basadien continued to threaten after the break and soon surged forward before hitting an effort that narrowly skimmed the Polokwane crossbar.

Against the run of play, Polokwane equalised when Tidimalo Molokwane finished to make it 2-2 and silence the home crowd just as Sundowns appeared to be in control.

Cardoso responded with a triple change, replacing Basadien, Van Wyk and Iqraam Rayners with Mailula, Kutlwano Letlhaku and Aubrey Modiba.

With seven minutes of normal time remaining, the Portuguese coach made another alteration, sending on Lebo Mothiba for Bennet Mokoena.

Neither side could find a winner before the final whistle, but Mailula ensured the wait was worthwhile. His extra-time finish completed a memorable comeback and sent Mamelodi Sundowns through in a match played under the emotional shadow of Adams’ death.