By Michael Madyira
Ten-man Mamelodi Sundowns were rescued from possible embarrassment by a Thabang Matudi own goal which handed them a 1-0 win over Polokwane City to secure passage into the MTN8 semi-finals.
Rise and Shine defender Matuludi struck into the wrong net on 102 minutes after the Brazilians were pushed into extra-time at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
On an afternoon where they finished a man down following an 83rd-minute red card to veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango, the Brazilians were far from being impressive but managed to storm into the last-four of this tournament.
It was Manqoba Mngqithi’s first official match as Sundowns head coach and Polokwane City almost spoiled his day.
Typical of Sundowns at the start of any cup competition, a number of key players were rested while captain Themba Zwane had to come on from the bench as Grant Kekana was also a substitute.
Polokwane’s new man, Bonginkosi Dlamini from Platinum City Rovers started the match.
Striker Douglas Mapfumo was absent as Bafana Bafana winger Oswin Appollis started from the bench.
It was a threatening start to the contest by Sundowns with Peter Shalulile being denied by the upright twice within the opening 16th minutes.
But the Brazilians fizzled out, allowing their visitors to settle down and Cole Alexander forced a brilliant save from Onyango with a diving header.
No side found the back of the net in the second half and some drama started unfolding towards the end.
Onyango was then found on the wrong side of football laws when he handled outside his goal while trying to block a charging Hlayisi Chauke.
The veteran Ugandan was then red-carded while Terrence Mashego was sacrificed for Jody February to come in as the new goalkeeper.
Polokwane City managed to push the contest into extra-time, however they could capitalise on their numerical advantage.
Matuludi then slotted the ball into his own net while trying to prevent Lucas Ribeiro Costa from pouncing on a Teboho Mokoena lob and gave Sundowns a free goal.
Attempts to draw level were futile and Appollis was denied by February as Rise and Shine piled the pressure.
Sundowns will now face Stellenbosch in the semi-finals following the draw conducted after Sunday’s match as Orlando Pirates meet Cape Town City in the other last-four contest.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns forward Tashreeq Matthews trying to dispossess Polokwane City defender Thabang Matuludi
Image source: PSL
