Mamelodi Sundowns will face Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final after defeating Stellenbosch FC 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.
Nedbank Cup
Result: Stellenbosch FC 1-2 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 05 May 2024
Venue: Danie Craven Stadium
Sundowns named a new team following their demolition of Kaizer Chiefs, apart from Tashreeq Matthews, Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Rivaldo Coetzee, as the likes of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Peter Shalulile and Marcelo Allende were recalled.
The Brazilians were more on the ball in the opening exchanges and on 11 minutes, Khuliso Mudau fired them ahead with a strike from a tight angle at the near post after a through ball by Costa.
Stellies were spirited to come back into the game but their momentum was disrupted around the half-hour mark after the linesman Zakhele Siwela sustained a hamstring injury and there was long stoppage for his treatment and he was eventually substituted.
Rulani Mokwena's charges gained control of the game and Shalulile had a good opportunity in stoppages after going through on goal but he fluffed his chance.
Steve Barker's troops had a bright start in the second stanza as four minutes from the break Iqraam Rayners had a chance after going through in the box but he guided his low shot wide.
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The Brazilians looked to control the game more in midfield as after the hour-mark, Sphelele Mkhulise replaced Themba Zwane in a tactical change.
Sundowns started to have chances and space behind Stellies' defence and with 15 minutes remaining, Thembinkosi Lorch eventually gave them a two-goal lead with a diving header after a lobbed pass by Shalulile.
Shalulile had a big chance to make it 3-0 for the Brazilians a few minutes later from the penalty spot after Mudau was brought down in the box but the Namibian fired his shot over the crossbar.
The hosts had a lifeline five minutes later as Genino Palace reduced the deficit with a strike past Williams after a through ball in the box.
Mokwena looked to defend the result with a defensive and tactical change in the last ten minutes, as Mothobi Mvala replaced Allende.
Shalulile almost added a thrid goal for the visitors in the last minute with a cracking shot that hit the woodwork but Masandawana had already done enough to book a spot in the final against Orlando Pirates.
Here's how they lined up:
Stellenbosch FC: 30. Masuluke, 45. Toure, 24. Moloisane, 21. Basadien, 7. Van Rooyen, 8. Nduli, 18. De Jong, 14. Oura, 34. Titus, 9. Rayners
Subs: 17. Stephens, 26. Mcaba, 22. Sibande, 10. Mgaga, 27. Jurgens, 29. Van Wyk, 28. Palace, 19. Boji, 11. Colley
Mamelodi Sundowns: 30. Williams, 25. Mudau, 43. Lunga, 40. Coetzee, 20. Kekana, 19. Aubaas, 11. Allende, 18. Zwane, 70. Matthews, 23. Ribeiro, 38. Shalulile
Subs: 1. D.Onyango, 34. Mvala, 17. Modiba, 21. Mkhulise, 24. Mbule, 45. Esquivel, 9. Nku, 27. Morena
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