Telkom Knockout
Result: Free State Stars 1-6 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 25 October 2015
Venue: Goble Park
Mamelodi Sundowns secured the spot in the Telkom Knockout semi-finals after they thrashed Free State Stars 6-1 at Goble Park.
Pitso Mosimane's charges enjoyed most of the possession in the early stages but could only threaten Stars with efforts from distance.
Sundowns eventually broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Mogakolodi Ngele side-footed home from six-yards out, after getting on the end of Bongani Zungu's knock-on.
It got better for Mosimane's charges in the 25th minute Leonardo Castro collected a flick from Ngele, before he bundled the ball home from six-yards out. Although, replays suggest Diakite will be credited with the own goal.
Sundowns continued to dominate and added a third goal in the 35th minute when Ngele picked out Dolly, who poked home into the bottom corner from point-blank range.
However, the home side did reduce the deficit just before the halftime break, as Danny Venter cut in from right, before firing home a low effort from the edge of the box.
It nearly got better for the hosts on the stroke of halftime when Henrik Somaeb rattled the woodwork, before he headed over from six-yards out.
Teko Modise made his return to action, as he replaced Khama Billiat at the start of the second half.
Sundowns eventually added a fourth goal in the 67th minute when substitute Themba Zwane rifled home from close range, after Dolly's effort deflected into the winger's path.
It got even better for the visitors in the 71st minute when Bongani Zungu met Modise's corner and headed home at the near post.
Katlego Mashego was introduced in the 73rd minute and his impact was immediate, as he fired home a low effort from 20-yards out to make it 6-1 to the Brazilians.
Mosimane's charges managed to see out the final stages of the second half with relative ease and booked their spot in the final four with Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United.
Here's how they lined up:
Free State Stars: Diakite, Masehe, Mashego, Rakoti, Sankara, Thlone, Ngasa, Mohomi, Fileccia, Kerspuy, Venter
Mamelodi Sundowns: Onyango, Mbekile, Langerman, Nthethe, Mphahlele, Dolly, Zungu, Ngele, Kekana, Castro, Billiat
