Mamelodi Sundowns advanced to the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup with a 2-0 win over Mpheni Home Defenders on Sunday afternoon.
Nedbank Cup
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Mpheni Home Defenders
Date: 16 February 2025
Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium
As expected, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso rang the changes after the loss to TS Galaxy on Tuesday, as Tashreeq Matthews was the only player to keep his spot in the starting line-up.
Matthews made his presence felt after just seven minutes as the midfielder got on the end of Arthur Sales' pass and fired home with a cheeky back-heel from eight yards out.
The visiting side, meanwhile, managed to regroup after the early set-back and were a lot more solid at the back while occasionally proving some threat on the counter attack.
However, the Defenders' resistance was broken in the 27th minute when Mosa Lebusa cushioned Esquivel's cross into the path of Bathusi Aubaas who sent a first-time low strike into the back of the net.
At the other end, it was a quiet opening 45 minutes for Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango until stoppage time when Sundowns gifted possession to the visitors, but Lucky Buausi hit the crossbar with a looping effort.
Sundowns started the second half on a rough note as they were reduced to ten for the second cup game in a row as Matthews was sent off after picking up his second yellow card of the encounter.
Brazilians coach Cardoso opted to make three changes after the hour mark as Keanu Cupido was introduced for his debut while Peter Shalulile and Jayden Adams were also brought onto the park to see out the game.
Defenders did see a bit more of the ball as the second half went on, as they carve out a chance on 70 minutes when Buasi latched onto a ball over the top, but the midfield sent his volley into the side-netting.
Despite being a man down, Sundowns were able to see out the closing stages and hold out for th clean sheet as they booked their spot in the quarter-final ahead of Monday's draw.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Onyango, Aubaas, Lebusa, Khoza, Kodisang, Mkhulise, Tiwani, Esquivel, Mashego, Matthews, Sales
Sub: Pieterse, Cupido, Johannes, Mokoena, Adams, Ribeiro, Lethaku, Maseko, Shalulile
Mpheni Home Defenders: Thompson, Matumba, Magubane, Benside, Nyundu, Matlabe, Maluleke, Munyadziwa, Buasi, Hlungwane, Mulaudzi
Subs: Mngomezulu, Matumba, Ndou, Nkabinde, Nemutandani, Makua, Mokgopo, Shilenge, Mbau
