Mamelodi Sundowns cruised to the MTN8 semi-finals after thrashing Richards Bay FC 4-0 in the quarter-finals on Sunday evening.
MTN8
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 4-0 Richards Bay
Date: 03 August 2025
Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium
The Brazilians were without talisman Lucas Costa Ribeiro, Khuliso Mudau and Peter Shalulile, who have all been linked with departures in the last month while new signing Fawaaz Basadien was named on the bench.
Even without the big names, Sundowns got off to the perfect start when a corner from Marcelo Allende evaded everyone and found Iqraam Rayners, who nodded home at the far post.
Richards Bay, meanwhile, struggled to get the ball of Sundowns in the first half and whenever they did make entries into the opposition half, they were unable to pull off the final pass.
Scroll through the gallery above to see Sundowns' clash against Richards Bay
Miguel Cardoso's charges continued to dominate in the remaining stages of the stanza but other than Rayners' early goal from a corner, the home side struggled to carve out clear-cut chances in open play.
However, that changed in second-half stoppage time when Richards Bay captain Simphiwe Mcineka gifted Sundowns a second goal by turning Teboho Mokoean's low cross into his own net.
Sundowns only needed eight minutes in the second half to extend their lead as Arthur Sales turned provider to play in Rayners, who raced clear and calmly slotted past Salim Magoola to complete his brace.
The visitors responded with an attacking change after the hour mark and introduced former Marumo Gallants forward Gabadinho Mhango for his debut, with Ntlonelo Bomelo making way.
However, it was Sundowns' substitutes who made an impact when 18-year-old Siyabonga Mabena opened his account for the season with a deflected effort from the edge of the box.
That proved to be final goal of the encounter as Sundowns join Orlando Pirates, Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch FC in the semi-finals.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Kekana, Cupido, Mdunyelwa, Modiba, Mokeona, Allende, Zwane, Sales, Rayners, Matthews.
Subs: Onyango, Lebusa, Basadien, Lunga, Adams, Mkhulise, Mabena, Letlhaku, Maseko
Richards Bay: Magoola, Vilakazi, Mntungwa, Mabua, Mcineka, Mthethwa, Gumede, Zikhali, Bomelo, Mthembu, Nzama
Subs: Mtshali, Zulu, Zuke, Ndelu, Nombengula, Mtshali, Thikazi, Mhango, Ngema
