Mamelodi Sundowns extended their unbeaten start to the season with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN8 semifinal second leg. The match, held at a sold-out Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, saw Sundowns win 3-2 on aggregate, securing their place in the final.
The first leg had ended in a 1-1 draw at FNB Stadium, setting the stage for an intense rematch. The excitement kicked off just ten seconds into the game when the dynamic Peter Shalulile scored right after the kickoff, capitalizing on impressive pressing against Chiefs goalkeeper, Brandon Peterson.
This goal set a record as the fastest strike in the history of the Wafa Wafa competition and maintained Bafana Ba Style’s remarkable record of scoring in every game this season.
The Soweto-based side soon found their rhythm and were awarded a penalty in the 32nd minute when Sipho Mbule was deemed to have handled the ball in the box. Ashley Du Preez successfully converted the spot-kick, leveling the scoreline.
The Brazilians continued to press for a second goal and were rewarded just before half-time with a header from Shalulile, courtesy of excellent work from Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who continues to excel in Ka Bo Yellow colors. Consequently, both teams headed into the break with the Chloorkop-based side leading by one goal.
In the second half, the four-time MTN8 winners continued their dominance, with Shalulile coming close to completing a hat-trick in the 51st minute after some good work from Themba Zwane.
The technical team then brought on Thapelo Maseko to replace Sipho Mbule in the 54th minute. Unfortunately, the new entrant picked up a yellow card just two minutes after coming on for pulling an opponent. Despite their efforts, the hosts were repeatedly thwarted by Ronwen Williams in their quest for another equalizer.
As time ran out, Abdelmounaim Boutouil and Lesiba Nku made way for Brian Onyango and Terrence Mashego as Coach Rulani Mokwena freshened things up.
Despite some late pressure from AmaKhosi, Masandawana had done enough to secure a memorable victory thanks to Shalulile’s brace and the Namibian scoring assassin was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match. This victory marked back-to-back wins for Sundowns against both Chiefs and Pirates within just three days.
In the other semi-final, Orlando Pirates secured their spot in the final for the second consecutive year, advancing on the away goals rule. They lost 1-0 to Stellenbosch FC but prevailed 2-2 on aggregate at the Orlando Stadium.
As a result, Mamelodi Sundowns will face Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final on October 7 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Next on their agenda, Sundowns will aim to continue their perfect start to the DStv Premiership as they take on Stellenbosch on Wednesday.
Starting Lineup: Williams, Kekana, Boutouil, Lebusa, Coetzee, Mokoena, Mbule, Allende, Zwane, Ribeiro Costa, Shalulile.
Substitutes: D. Onyango, B. Onyango, Mashego, Modiba, Zungu, Morena, Maseko, Mendieta, Nku.
Congratulations to coach, technical team and all Masandawana for the victory against Chiefs, however let’s avoid silly mistakes in the box like that one of Maseko kicking Mdantsane at crucial moment, we were lucky not be punished for that, players should stick to basics when defending and be calm, when a player is facing his goal post ,you just stay behind him ,you don’t kick from behind bathong .As for Mbule, i cannot blame him, rules on penalties need to be reviewed, you can’t jump for the header with your arms behind your back at all.We need to go back to ball to hand and hand to ball kind of analysis.
Rules are applied differently let’s see if that was a penalty on Mbule whether the ball heat the upper arm,bcoz against Chiefs on Cardoso it was said he didn’t make himself bigger but the upper arm can’t be fouled as a penalty.Rhulani teach the boy Maseko to use his brain not his speed,when he is on the ball.He looks so desperate to get a goal.On 2 occasions he received the ball with Allende unmarked but his decision making left a lot to b desired.He is wasting his energy trying to over compensate or pleasing the coach of which I see is committing so many errors.I like the fact that we beat Ksizer Chiefs under controversial circumstances I’m not sorry at all.Lets benefit,bcoz ppl don’t know the feelings of crying while others are celebrating.
Seconded member this maseko boy is not giving us anything at the moment as he just run and loose the ball at the end. he is a good boy maybe he will improve
Morning Yellow Nation. I am sad about all bad comments has been said about our success. I plea to the Technical Team and Players to work more hard to silence the Critics
Thanks for a victory against Chiefs.My concern is our inability to kill of the game,midweek against Pirates we should have finished off the game in the 1st half and we didn’t, the same happened against Chiefs we should have killed off the game in the 1st 15 minutes when they were still dizzy losing the ball cheaply and we allowed them back in the game.Most of us supporters are biased and not fair,Zwane was useless the entire game he lost the ball cheaply,couldn’t trap or pass the ball,he was playing like he slept at a tavern,i mean chiefs keeper gave him the and it is 3 vs 1 and he opt to pass a chiefs without any pressure he then went on to make a useless back hill which nearly resulted into chiefs goal and no one is saying anything but some players are hammered for making a single mistake.Our players lack discipline this season,in every game we play we receive more yellow cards that our opponents this needs some serious fixing because one day we will not be so lucky and end up a game with 8 players in the pitch or lose a game unnecessarily so.
I am just thinking why did the 3 former Supersport players almost cost the team careless mistakes Mokwena holding chiefs player by hand maseko kick some one in the box mbuli l do understand his situation better misjudged the ball .We are seriously lacking discipline it shows by yellow cards we are collecting this season Technical Team must install discipline this is going to cost us in future if is not addressed properly.
I think mokwena is getting comfortable.
Sundowns need play soccer accordingly not that to smart in game there are smart time physcal and faster that boy Maseko should play at disk team soccer not sole game team.sport he doesn’t share with other just run until loose that ball running like headless chicken
I think the coach nearly cost us the game uneccessarily. One can’t even celebrate such a win in as much as Zebbies have robbed us previously. Rhulani’s favouritism is his main downfall, I for one don’t even see the contributions of Teboho Mokoena, Sipho Mbule and Maseko, except that they’re being favoured. Management needs to move with speed in finding a suitable coach
BOH
I PERSONALLY AGREE WITH YOUR TOP PERFOMERS.
I WILL REPLACE MASEKO WITH MABENA
REASON IS MASEKO HAS BEEN GIVEN MORE MINUTES THAN MABENA.
I WILL RATE HIM ONLY ON HIS SPEED ,ENERGY AND HIS AMBITION TO SCORE GOALS AND DRIBLE EVERYONE BUT THAN NOTHING ALL OF THAT HAS SUCCEEDED.
HE NEEDS TO BE COACHED AND LEARN THE WAY WE PLAY AND LEARN WHERE AND WHEN TO PASS AND DRIBLE.
MABENA WHENEVER HE COMES HE DOES WELL PASS ,DRIBLE AND SHOT HE HARDLY LOOSE A BALL THERE IS ALWAYS POSITIVE END PRODUCT.
PLEASE DON’T GET ME WRONG MASEKO IS A GREAT PLAYER AND ONCE HE GETS EVERYTHING HE IS TRYING TO DO WITH ALL WE WILL KILL TEAMS FOR NOW HE STILL NEEDS SOME ADVICE HERE AND THERE
Afternoon Masandawana…..I hear you….I blv we are the best team at the moment….we don’t need to over think..about the opponent….sundowns has 9 ball players on the field and 8 on the bench…that is our strength…this I’ll discipline..doesn’t make sense to me..8 yellow cards in one game…we than say…congratulations to Pirates for the way they nearly beat us…what nonsense I that….anyway…please Rhulani…coach..Sir…Boss….Gaston has apologized…stop this thing you keep telling the Media…you have no say..it’s the management…we not stupid…you might be coaching but us as supporters have brains and do not lack …knowledge of how things work…couches are the bosses…no one can play in your team..if you say no…so stop it….I respect you..but be a man about it…this is our boy..he is one of the best….Masandawana please correct me…this is my top ten……..right now……this is
based on performance on each player not who is better or the best..then other… they all best players….1..Williams
2 Mashishi
3 Allende
4 Mokwena
5 Shasha
6 Riberio
7 Gaston
8 Khuliso
9 Boutouil
10 Kekana
11 Modiba
12 Neo
13 Mnvala
14 Morena
15 Nassir
16 Lebohang
17 Maseko…..
And many more
others it’s based on how they always perform……again please easy..with playing side passes and too much….passing in those dangerous area’s of our opponents…shoot guy’s..we can’t always score beautiful goals…we could be 3 or 4 nilly up…but no Riberio or Mshishi..want ukubajuqa kuqala….Dalom…it’s been a while…where are the champions Skhumba/Mnfana/Mzimela I see you as well…please tell me you coming to Durban….let’s meet
I would like to concur with those who say Maseko needs to be coached. The boy comes from a coach who plays direct football and is not used to playing with others if you check at Supersport he would run with the ball and cross. Our technical team can see what we se and I am certain they will coach. The boy needs our support he has huge potential ONLY if he can learn that this is a team sport. ON Saturday they were about 3 occasions when he broke free and was indecisive with releasing the ball to other players who were better positioned to score. He is our weapon to play on transition, his pace comes in handy he just needs to be decisive in the last third. I believe this boy will be crucial in most matches. I plead with our technical team to groom him to be an effective player who plays for the team and not individual accolades. Let us give him time he will come around
Member I do not understand what you mean that you do not see what Tebogo Mokoena does. For me he is the first name on that line up. He is our engine his energy is insane he runs, tackles and defends for 90 minutes and beyond. Sipho Mbule is not called Master Chef for nothing he is a ball player with arrogance, yes he made a mistake of conceding a penalty but member watch that guy closely when he plays, he is marvelous to watch. I think he just needs to work on his fitness levels otherwise him Allende and Tebza are very effective. As for Maseko I agree that he need to be releasing the ball faster to other players. Let him use his pace with a product at the end and I think the coaches will take time to coach him properly. Let us be a bit patient
Mobile need to stop make unnecessary foul end up costly i remember foul against Swallows also worse cause exit caf semifinals more and more Maseko need learned lot lastly Rulani must to be honest father figure to.player stop chasing gud players started with Kekena. LAKAY now Serino also why recruit many players on same position mostly end up stand he promise to give youngsters chance but way he recruit new players chances are too slim
Good luck to ..my best team.. though..this starting lineup… let’s see… again please come to Durban
Guys tickets are finished for the MTN final! I was late to secure the tickets!!