Cassius Mailula fires Mamelodi Sundowns into MTN8 semi-finals

Cassius Mailula scored in the 113th minute to send Mamelodi Sundowns into the MTN8 semi-finals with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Polokwane City at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

The forward finished from close range as the match appeared to be heading for a penalty shootout, marking his return to the Sundowns first team after a difficult spell in the United States, Morocco and Belgium.

The result secured the Brazilians a place in the competition’s two-legged semi-finals, although they were made to work hard by a disciplined Polokwane City side.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made several notable selections for his team’s first match of the season. Debutant Antonio Van Wyk was handed a starting place, while Bennet Mokoena was also included in an attacking line-up.

Returning goalkeeper Ricardo Goss and Mailula began the match on the bench. New Polokwane City coach Willy Moloto made fewer changes, largely relying on the squad he had inherited from Phuti Mohafe.

Moloto’s experienced players, including Tlou Nkwe, Lebohang Nkaki, Manuel Kambala, Rodney Maphangukle and Bonginkosi Dlamini, helped City stay competitive deep into the contest.

Polokwane City took the lead after seven minutes. Sundowns failed to deal with a dipping delivery from the left and Dlamini reacted decisively, driving the loose ball into the net.

Sundowns responded by stepping up their pressure and almost levelled after 21 minutes. Tashreeq Matthews met a cross from the right and rose highest in the penalty area, but his close-range header was held away from danger by goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula.

The equaliser arrived later in the same minute as Teboho Mokoena produced one of his trademark powerful finishes. The midfielder collected a pass from Van Wyk before unleashing a shot that beat Mathebula.

Mokoena was then fortunate to avoid a serious injury when Surprise Mathonsi caught him on the ankle with a studs-up challenge. He required treatment and, despite the lack of a caution for Mathonsi from referee Philangenkosi Khumalo, was able to continue.

Sundowns completed the turnaround shortly after half-time. Van Wyk was given room inside the area after City failed to close him down and he converted from close range to put the hosts ahead.

Polokwane City were forced to replace Mathebula shortly before the hour mark after the goalkeeper suffered an injury. Ayanda Ngwenya came on in his place.

The visitors levelled in the 60th minute when Tidimalo Molokwane punished confusion in the Sundowns defence. He rounded goalkeeper Ronwen Williams before calmly finishing into an unguarded net.

Cardoso responded with a triple substitution as he searched for another goal. Aubrey Modiba, Kutlwano Letlhaku and Mailula replaced Fawaaz Basadien, Van Wyk and Iqraam Rayners.

Modiba was used in an advanced inverted role, while Letlhaku and Mailula provided fresh attacking options and looked to unsettle Edwin Ramaja and Nkaki.

With eight minutes remaining, veteran striker Lebo Mothiba replaced Mokoena. Themba Zwane was introduced later as Sundowns continued to look for a breakthrough.

Moloto also made changes, bringing on Banele Mnguni and Raymond Daniels for Moketsi Bathlabane and Dlamini, but City could not regain control of the game.

Mailula finally decided the tie seven minutes into extra time, applying the finish that reintroduced him to the Sundowns supporters after several years away from the club.

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