Cassius Mailula emerged as the hero as Mamelodi Sundowns secured a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Polokwane City in an entertaining MTN8 quarter-final at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Brazilians were pushed all the way by a determined Polokwane City side, who showed tremendous fight and physicality throughout the contest. However, Sundowns’ quality eventually proved decisive as they joined Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final draw.
Polokwane City stunned the home crowd with an early breakthrough in the seventh minute. A corner kick found its way to Bonginkosi Dlamini at the back post, and he fired a low effort home from a tight angle to give Rise and Shine a surprise 1-0 lead.
Sundowns responded strongly and finally found the equaliser in the 21st minute. After Tashreeq Matthews had forced goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula into a fine save, Teboho Mokoena stepped up from the resulting corner and produced a composed finish to make it 1-1.
The Brazilians then completed the turnaround just after the half-hour mark. Antonio van Wyk capitalised on a defensive mistake before firing beyond Mathebula to hand Sundowns a 2-1 lead and mark his debut with a goal.
The hosts appeared to be in control after the break, but Polokwane City refused to give up. Tidimalo Molokwane took advantage of hesitation in the Sundowns defence from a set-piece situation to beat Ronwen Williams and bring the visitors level at 2-2 on the hour mark.
Sundowns came close to finding a late winner in normal time when substitute Aubrey Modiba fired narrowly wide from a free kick, sending the thrilling encounter into extra time.
The Brazilians continued to dominate possession and create opportunities, while Polokwane City remained dangerous on the counterattack. The decisive moment finally arrived in the 113th minute when substitutes Themba Zwane and Cassius Mailula combined brilliantly. Mailula finished with a powerful low strike from the edge of the box to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory.
The result sends Mamelodi Sundowns into the MTN8 semi-finals, where they will now be joined by Orlando Pirates, with the remaining quarter-final fixtures still to be played.
Next up, Sundowns return to Betway Premiership action away to TS Galaxy, while Polokwane City will host Stellenbosch FC.
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