Mamelodi Sundowns beat ABC Motsepe League side Sibanye Golden Stars 5-2 to progress to the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 after a shaky start in the second half at Loftus Versveld Stadium on Saturday evening. Sundowns quickly established a 3-0 lead in the first half, courtesy of a brace from Tashreeq Matthews and a goal from emerging defender Malibongwe Khoza.
However, a rapid two-goal comeback from Sibanye early in the second half sparked hopes for the third-tier team, suggesting they might overcome the defending South African champions. Coach Miguel Cardoso had opted to rest key players such as Marcello Allende, Grant Kekana, Peter Shalulile, Teboho Mokoena and Lucas Ribeiro Costa, fielding a largely second-string lineup.
Sundowns opened the scoring in the first minute with a goal from Malibongwe Khoza, heading in a corner kick. Tashreeq Matthews added the second goal in the 14th minute, finishing a well-placed through pass from Kutlwano Letlhaku with poise. Matthews then made it three after intercepting a pass from the goalkeeper to the defender in a critical defensive lapse by Sibanye. Sundowns headed into halftime leading 3-0.
In the second half, Thapelo Maseko, Kobamelo Kodisang, and Sphelele Mkhulise were brought on to replace Matthews, Khoza, and Letlhaku, who had all performed well in the first half.
Arthur Sales had a promising effort thwarted in the 53rd minute, but just one minute later, Sibanye pulled a goal back through a clinical finish from Mojalefa Mokhatla, who managed to beat Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
In another swift move, Boeletsang Rankali, who came off the bench, scored another for Sibanye. A clever dummy by Mokhatla left Musa Lebosa scrambling as the amateur side found renewed hope.
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However, Sales added a fourth goal for Sundowns following a failed clearance by the opponent on the edge of the box. Jayden Adams was introduced after the 71st minute following his transfer from Stellenbosch FC.
Things took a turn for Sundowns when Bathusi Aubaas received a red card for the second time this month, also having been sent off in Morocco against Raja Casablanca in the CAF Champions League. His dismissal was due to an off-the-ball incident where he elbowed an opponent.
But substitute Kobamelo Kodisang put the final nail in the coffin, adding the fifth goal in the final minute of the game.
Meanwhile, four other matches were played on Saturday. Chippa United edged Golden Arrows 2-1 at the Hammarsdale Stadium. It was a sweet homecoming for Mabhuti Khenyeza, who returned to his former club after leaving to join the Chilli Boys as Thabo September’s assistant.
Baroka thumped Umvoti Football Club 3-0, securing their place in the next round of the knockout competition. Cape Town Spurs also had a solid performance, winning 3-1 against Venda Football Academy at the Thohoyandou Stadium, with former Maritzburg United right-back Lungelo Bhengu contributing significantly to the Capetonians’ success.
Durban City managed a 2-0 victory over Mkhanyiseli Siwahla’s Lerumo Lions in a match held at the Olympia Stadium in Rustenburg.
On Friday, 10-man Marumo Gallants edged out Pretoria Callies with a narrow 1-0 win at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
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