Mamelodi Sundowns are through to the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 following an emphatic 5-2 triumph over Free State ABC Motsepe League side, Sibanye Golden Stars on Saturday night at Loftus Versfeld.
The deadlock was broken two minutes into the game through Malibongwe Khoza’s header. Tashreeq Matthews shot from the corner and the ball was headed once before leading to Khoza who headed the ball into the net. Terrence Mashego also came close to doubling the advantage but just couldn’t get it right as his chance was smacked away by the goalkeeper.
In the 15th minute, Matthews extended the lead for his side. It was Kutlwano Letlhakuwho slipped a swift pass to Matthews who went past the goalkeeper to slot it in. Arthur Sales wanted to join the party after receiving the ball from Letlhaku but his chance went slightly wide.
An opportunity to score for the visitors presented itself after a counterattack but Khoza was quick with his response as he made an interception to deny them a goal. Shortly after, a third goal came from Matthews who capitalised from an error made by the goalkeeper. Masandawana looked to find more goals but had to settle for the three when they went to the break.
The second half kicked off with a triple substitution for Downs, with coach Miguel Cardoso introducing Kobamelo Kodisang, Thapelo Maseko and Sphelele Mkhulise who from the get-go, showed character.
Four goals were seen in the second stanza, with Golden Stars opening the second-half proceedings through a counter-press which saw them win the ball and put it past Ronwen Williams. Seven minutes later from a cutback, another goal from Golden Stars came through, as they closed on the gap.
Bafana Ba Style were able to extend their lead to four goals in the 69th minute through Sales. As the visitors were looking to clear the ball from the danger zone, Kodisangfound it and handed it to Sales who quickly slotted it in.
After a titanic tussle in the final stages of the match, Kodisang put the nail in the coffin with a powerful finish. He found a rebound which saw him close the proceedings of the day. For the Brazilians, the victory means they are through to the Round of 16 and will wait to learn of their next Nedbank Cup opponent.
How we lined up: Williams ©, Johannes, Mdunyelwa, Khoza, Lebusa, Aubaas, Mashego, Matthews, Letlhaku, Maema, Sales.
Subs: Tshabalala, Kekana, Tiwani, Mkhulise, Allende, Adams, Maseko, Kodisang, Shalulile.