Mamelodi Sundowns progressed to the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup after edging University of Pretoria 4-3 on penalties on Friday night.
Nedbank Cup
Result: University of Pretoria 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns (Sundowns won 4-3 on penalties)
Date: 12 April 2024
Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium
Sundowns made four changes following their narrow win over Cape Town Spurs, as they recalled Marcelo Allende, Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba and Bathusi Aubaas.
The Brazilians had an ideal start after Lucas Ribeiro Costa gave them the lead with just eight minutes on the clock after a stunning curling shot from the edge of the box into the top corner.
Masandawana were aggressive with their press as Neo Maema had a big chance five minutes later but was denied by goalkeeper Edward Maova in a one-on-one.
AmaTuks carried a threat going forward and just after the half-hour mark, Delano Abrahams levelled matters with a strike in the six-yard box after a flick on by Kamogelo Pheeane from a long ball.
Rulani Mokwena's charges were fired up as Teboho Mokoena came close to restoring their lead eight minutes before the interval with a free-kick from range that was saved by Maova at full-stretch.
The second-tier side were defending in numbers coming from the break and Sundowns only carved out an opportunity just before the hour-mark after Costa guided a close-range header over the crossbar.
Mokwena eventually made a double attacking change moments later as Thembinkosi Lorch and Gaston Sirino both came on for Morena and Maema to try to change the game.
The Brazilians, however, still struggled to break down AmaTuks and were caught on a counter-attack eight minutes before time after Abrahams nearly gave the University side the lead with a strike in the box that was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The game was on the edge in the dying minutes, although Sundowns had the momentum but they could not get clear opportunities, as the extra time was eventually required after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Masandawana continued to pin AmaTuks in their own half and Aubaas almost broke the deadlock on the 12th minute of extra-time with a dipping shot that was parried over the crossbar by Maova.
As Sundowns had the challenge of breaking down a low block, Lorch had a big chance in the dying minutes of extra-time after he turned through on goal from a long ball but his shot was deflected just wide of the gaping net, sending the game to penalties.
Williams was the hero for Sundowns once again after saving two penalties, which allowed Shalulile to slot home the winning spot-kick.
Here's how they lined up:
University of Pretoria: Maova, Langa, Mahlangu, Gum, Majadibodu, Marebane, Mpedi, Julies, Mvambi, Abrahams, Pheeane
Subs: Dlamini, Makara, Nkogatse, Mokoena, Seanego, Sekotlong, Mohlamonyane, Makungo, Tonisi
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Kekana, Modiba, Mvala, Aubaas, Mokoena, Maema, Allende, Zwane, Morena, Riberio
Subs: D.Onyango, B.Onyango, Nkosi, Maseko, Esquivel, Mabena, Lorch, Sirino, Shalulile
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