Mamelodi Sundowns secured a 4-3 win on penalties against AmaTuks in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final tie following a 1-1 draw after 120 tiresome minutes at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Friday night.
Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams was once again the hero of the night as he saved two penalties during the tense penalty shootout.
Below are the talking points as Rulani Mokwena‘s side cruised their way into the Nedbank Cup semis at the expense of the University of Pretoria.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS FIRST TO SCORE
The Brazilians were the first team to break the deadlock as early as eight minutes into the game through Lucas Ribeiro.
This was Ribeiro’s 15th goal across all competitions for Sundowns this campaign. However, Delano Abrahams levelled matters in the 32nd minute of the showpiece.
The game had to be decided on penalties as both sides failed to add to their scorelines.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS PLAYERS RULED OUT FOR TODAY’S ENCOUNTER
Masandawana came into this clash without the services of nine players due to injuries.
The nine players are Bongani Zungu [groin injury, stage 3 rehabilitation], Mosa Lebusa [groin injury, stage 3 rehabilitation], Abdelmounaim Boutouil [groin injury, stage 3 rehabilitation], Rushine De Reuck [knee injury, stage 2 rehabilitation], Zuko Mdunyelwa [groin injury, stage 3 rehabilitation].
The list also includes, Siyanda Nyanga [knee injury, post-operation, stage 2 rehabilitation], Divine Lunga [knee contusion, stage 2 rehabilitation], Tashreeq Matthews [knee contusion, stage 1 rehabilitation], and Sphelele Mkhulise [adductor injury, stage 1 rehabilitation].
FANS TURN OUT
Only a few football fanatics attended the Tshwane Derby match, as many seats were not occupied at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS BECAME THE FIRST TEAM TO QUALIFY FOR SEMI-FINALS
Bafana Ba Style became the first team to book the Nedbank Cup semi-final spot following their victory against Tuks.
Sundowns will know their next opponent in the tournament when the PSL conducts the Nedbank Cup semi-final draw immediately after the tournament’s quarter-final match between TS Galaxy and Chippa United on Sunday, 14 April 2024. The 2024 Nedbank Cup final venue will also be announced on the same day.
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