Mailula marks Sundowns return with late winner
City had set up to frustrate Sundowns, defending deep and hoping to take the match to penalties.
Mamelodi Sundowns secured their spot in the MTN8 semi-finals with a thrilling 3-2 win over Polokwane City at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday night. Cassius Mailula, recently returned to Sundowns after a stint at MLS club Toronto FC, struck the decisive blow with a powerful shot from outside the box just five minutes before extra-time concluded.
The goal sparked jubilant celebrations as Masandawana broke through City's resilient defense. Earlier, City took the lead in the seventh minute when Bonginkosi Dlamini converted a corner kick past Ronwen Williams. Bennet Mokoena and Fawaaz Basadien both missed chances to equalize. Teboho Mokoena drew the match to 1-1 in the 21st minute with a composed finish from the edge of the area after Antonio van Wyk's assist.
Van Wyk then gave Sundowns the lead in the 31st minute, exploiting a defensive lapse to make it 2-1 at halftime. Despite numerous goal-scoring chances, City failed to capitalize, equalizing through Tidimalo Molokwane in the 60th minute after he exploited an offside trap. Although Sundowns dominated possession, they struggled to break through City's resolute defense over the 120 minutes.
Extra-time was necessary after the match ended 2-2 at the final whistle. Cassius Mailula, who made his presence felt after replacing Iqraam Rayners in the 70th minute, scored the late winner, propelling Sundowns into the MTN8 semi-finals. Orlando Pirates also advanced to the next round after defeating Durban City in extra-time at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
