Mamelodi Sundowns secured a spot in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals after a 2-0 in against minnows Mpheni Defenders at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
Tashreeq Matthews and Bathusi Aubaas scored the goals for Masandawana in the first half of the Last 16 tie.
Sundowns had made wholesale changes from the side that lost 1-0 to TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership match midweek. The difference between the two teams was evident as Sundowns comfortably dominated proceedings in both halves against the ABC Motsepe League side.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS DOMINATE MINNOWS TO GO THROUGH TO THE QUARTERFINALS
The hosts could have taken a lead in the third minute through striker Arthur Sales after some sloppy defending from Mpheni. But his shot inside the box missed the target.
Five minutes later, Sundowns finally took the lead through a deflected backheel by Tashreeq Matthews.
MPHENI DEFENDERS’ JOURNEY IN THE NEDBANK CUP COMES TO AN END
Despite limited opportunities, Mpheni thought they had a penalty in the 16th minute for a handball. But match referee Msimeleli Mabuto waved play on.
Bathusi Aubaas made it two for the home side after his stunning low shot from outside the box found the net.
Mpheni nearly pulled one back on the stroke of halftime but a strike from Rophney Hlungwane hit the post.
Sundowns were dealt with a blow three minutes into the second half after Tashreeq Matthews was shown his marching orders. This is after a second yellow card for a foul on Mpheni midfielder Ernest Munyadziwa.
Mpheni wanted to utilise the one-man advantage showing more aggression in the second half with Lucky Buasi troubling the Sundowns defence.
But the Tshwane giants did enough to seal a victory.
Miguel Cardoso’s troops will know their quarterfinal opponents during the draw, set to take place on Monday. They join the likes of Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Marumo Gallants, Durban City FC, Stellenbosch FC and SuperSport United ,who have secured a place in the last eight.
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