Mamelodi Sundowns continued their dominance over Kaizer Chiefs after they dumped them out of the MTN8 and advanced to the final in an entertaining match played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville yesterday.
The Brazilians won the match 2-1, and went through with a 3-2 aggregate score after the 1-1 draw in the first leg at FNB Stadium.
Sundowns will now face the winners between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC, who face off this afternoon in Soweto.
It was a great week in office for Sundowns, who beat both Soweto giants Pirates and Chiefs in a matter of four days. But yesterday, Amakhosi outdid themselves and punched above their weight as they fought back from a goal down and just needed one extra goal to book the finals.
Chiefs have a right to feel cheated by the referee after Mduduzi Mdantsane was kicked by Thapelo Maseko in the penalty box but a penalty was denied.
Sundowns arrived in Atteridgeville highly charged. They were a bit arrogant in their demeanour. And in what is a record-equalling goal, it took only 10 seconds for Sundowns to take the lead. Straight from kick-off, Peter Shalulile pounced like a predator and dispossessed Chiefs goalie Brandon Petersen and fired from an awkward angle into the net. The fans had not even taken their seats when the ball kissed the back of the net.
Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki’s decision to rotate the goalkeepers really backfired. It is still a mystery why Petersen started ahead of captain Itumeleng Khune who manned the post against SuperSport United midweek. Khune was returning to the side after a long time on the sidelines and he put in an impressive shift.
Chiefs opted for 4-3-3 formation and this allowed Sundowns to boss the midfield. Rulani Mokwena’s 3-4-3 layout was more fluid and allowed Shalulile, Themba “Mshishi” Zwane and Lucas Ribeiro to roam free upfront. Chiefs’ forwards lacked composure but Ashley du Preez equalised from the penalty spot following a clumsy handball by Sipho Mbule.
However, Shalulile grabbed his brace with an easy header with Petersen in no-man’s land. Chiefs pushed forward but could not break Sundowns’ defence.
The two teams will resume their DStv Premiership campaigns on Wednesday, with Sundowns hosting Stellenbosch FC in Tshwane and Amakhosi
entertaining Sekhukhune United at the FNB Stadium.
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa.
