Keletso Makgalwa’s extra-time goal saw Mamelodi Sundowns advance to the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup after a tough game against Highlands Park at Makhulong Stadium on Saturday evening.
Anele Ngcongca had the first effort of the game for The Brazilians after he rose highest from a corner delivered by Ali Meza to head toward the far corner, forcing Tapuwa Kapini to make a save.
Lyle Lakay came closest to breaking the deadlock with ten minutes to go in the first half when his curled free-kick crashed off the upright before the danger was cleared.
Denis Onyango was relatively unoccupied for most of the first half but he was alert to the danger when he was called into action to make a save from a driven Peter Shalulile shot. The two sides went into the break on level terms after a first half that saw few scoring chances.
The hosts thought they had taken the lead ten minutes into the second half when Musa Nyatama headed past Denis Onyango in goals, however, the goal was disallowed as the linesman on the far side had his flag up for offside.
Lakay continued to look lively on the left-flank as he had another opportunity to put The Brazilians on the scoresheet after being played in by Sibusiso Vilakazi but his powerful effort across goal went wide of the post.
Neither side was able to find the back of the net during regulation time so the game went to extra-time with both sides showing signs of fatigue.
Substitute Keletso Magkalwa found the breakthrough with five minutes of extra-time remaining when he capitalized on a mistake from the Highlands Park defender before cutting in and curling his shot past Kapini in goals.
Coach Pitso Mosimane made his final substitution immediately after the goal as he brought on Wayne Arendse to sure up the defence. Downs held on to their lead which now sees them advance to the last 4 of the Nedbank Cup.
Highlands Park 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns (115’ Makglawa)
What a special team Mamelodi Sundowns is. You could tell that supporters from “Others” were sure that Downs were going to get a whip just like the “other”, but guess what- here we talking champions, the fighters, the experienced, you name it.I wish we can have others injured players back to action, come our game against Pie-rates nextweek. If we can win nextweek one/ game, I think even the managemnt won’t hesitate to renew “Jingles” contract
I always knew that this boy only needed a chance to play. Given sufficient opportunities, Makgalwa can score many goals for us. Well done boys
King Aguero what a finisher well done!!I was really scared of penalties as we dont have good record when it comes to them.
Let this 22 years of age to play pitso don’t doubt them most of them they are way better than Maboe yes he trained Hart but he is unproductive in a game
These young generation.promoted from Sundowns development have proven Pitso wrong because he believe out source Makgawa .Madisha.Mkhuluse.Lukhuboni are super stars unlike Maboe run like headless chicken
That ball was passed by the experienced Kekana so the technical team is right on mixing the players, that is good for the team.
I have to commend Pitso and the Technical team. They got the lineup spot on. I’m not saying this in hindsight, I actually said this to a colleague of mine before the game. That was the right team to play there. Sirino is not cut out for these type of games. They were gonna kick him. Zwane too. Maboe did enough fro me. Well done boys!!!!
This young boy is not scared of facing the defenders . I was expecting a penalty from the Highlands defenders .He reminds me of Percy going forward and a high speed causing defenders to panic .
We can only say Well done to the team, they fought like Champions, there is nothing you can do with that kind of marking, you can only use those chances. To blame somebody is not fair. KBY
Thank you Pitso and the boys . I was at the stadium and the atmosphere was very good , really had a nice outing . Chiefs supporters left stadium even more disappointed than the Highlands Park .