Mamelodi Sundowns booked their spot in the MTN8 semi-finals after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Polokwane City FC at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening.
In a match packed with drama, newly unveiled attacker Cassius Mailula marked his return from MLS side Toronto FC with a dramatic late winner.
Teboho Mokoena and fellow debutant Antonio Van Wyk netted the other goals for Masandawana, while Rise and Shine stayed in the contest through clinical strikes from Tidimalo Molokwane and Bonginkosi Dlamini.
Here are five key takeaways from the action-packed top-eight encounter in Atteridgeville.
1. POOR DECISIONS BY MATCH REFEREE PHILANGENKOSI KHUMALO
Match referee Philangenkosi Khumalo found himself under scrutiny following several questionable decisions. The most glaring incident occurred in the 25th minute, when Polokwane City defender Surprise Manthosi escaped a red card following a reckless tackle on Teboho Mokoena.
Although the Bafana Bafana midfielder soldiered on, he visibly struggled with discomfort for the remainder of the contest. Khumalo consistently allowed aggressive late challenges from both sides to pass without bookings, struggling to keep a firm grip on the tie.
2. DREAM DEBUT FOR ANTONIO VAN WYK
New signing Antonio Van Wyk announced his arrival in style following his transfer from Austrian outfit SV Ried.
The 24-year-old winger proved a continuous menace cutting inward from the right flank, setting up Mokoena’s opener before opening his own Sundowns account with a sharp finish in the 31st minute. His explosive combination play offered a promising glimpse of Masandawana’s refreshed attacking setup.
3. FAWAAZ BASADIEN STAKES HIS CLAIM
Left-back Fawaaz Basadien delivered a highly influential performance, constantly surging forward to provide overloads in the final third. His defensive discipline and attacking output present head coach Miguel Cardoso with a welcome selection dilemma in the full-back role, even after the 29-year-old was replaced by Aubrey Modiba in the 69th minute.
4. MAJOR INJURY BLOW FOR POLOKWANE CITY
Rise and Shine suffered a massive setback in the 59th minute when first-choice goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula was forced off with a serious injury. Mathebula, who has established himself as the bedrock of Polokwane’s backline since cementing the starting spot during the 2025/26 campaign, leaves a major void in goal ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
5. DEFENSIVE LAPSES RAISE RED FLAGS FOR SUNDOWNS
While victory ensures progress, Sundowns’ technical team will be deeply concerned by their defensive vulnerability. The Tshwane giants conceded twice despite Polokwane City managing just two shots on target across 120 minutes.
Switching off less than 10 minutes into the match and getting caught flat-footed during PLK City’s second-half equaliser highlight defensive gaps that must be addressed ahead of a demanding domestic and continental campaign.
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