Mamelodi Sundowns progressed to the MTN8 semi-finals after defeating ten-man Moroka Swallows 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.
MTN8
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Moroka Swallows
Date: 12 August 2023
Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium
Sundowns made three changes from their win over Kaizer Chiefs, as Neo Maema, Aubrey Modiba and Grant Kekana were recalled. Swallows, meanwhile, brought back Vusi Sibiya and Tlakusani Mthethwa.
The Birds got off to a horrible start after they were reduced to ten men after just seven minutes after former Sundowns star Andile Jali was shown a straight red card for a lunging tackle on Teboho Mokoena.
Sundowns could not get into their rhythm as Khuliso Mudau was out with an injury after 15 minutes before eventually being replaced by new signing Bathusi Aubaas, who got his debut.
The Brazilians started to threaten towards the half-hour mark as Aubaas nearly broke the deadlock with a rocket from range that dragged just wide, before Thapelo Maseko rounded goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi but could not find the target or a teammate from an acute angle.
Steve Komphela's charges were pinned back in their own half and Akpeyi kept the score deadlocked at halftime after he denied Mokoena, who unleashed a shot unmarked in the box just before the interval.
Sundowns had an ideal start in the second stanza as Themba Zwane eventually broke the deadlock within three minutes with a looping strike in the box after a through ball by Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
The Brazilians were finding spaces in their attacks and Maseko had a chance on the hour-mark after he dribbled through on goal but his shot hit the side-netting at the near post.
However, the Birds took the steam out of Sundowns' attacks and the game slowed down with 20 minutes left especially after Maseko picked up an injury and was replaced by Lesiba Nku, who got his debut.
Swallows were still in the game with 15 minutes to go, as they reinforced their attack with the introduction of Gabadinho Mhango and Ntsako Makhubela
However, Rulani Mokwena's men kept the ball for long periods and were able to keep the Birds at bay, with the fresh legs of the likes of Peter Shalulile and Bongani Zungu, as they booked their spot in the semi-finals.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Kekana, Mvala, Modiba, Mokoena, Maema, Zwane, Maseko, Ribeiro
Subs: D.Onyango, B.Onyango, Mashego, Zungu, Mbule, Aubaas, Nku, Mabena, Shalulile
Moroka Swallows: Akpeyi, Phillips, Allan, Sibiya, Sam, Mthethwa, Jali, Malinga, Ntsako, Mtshali, Mabasa
Subs: Mbanjwa, Shwabule, S.Sibiya, Wambi, Phalane, Van Rhyn, Mhango, Zuma, Damons
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
