Mamelodi Sundowns secured their place in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup after overcoming AmaTuks 4-3 on penalties at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Friday evening.
Sundowns moved back to one of their strongest elevens, potentially with hope of finishing the second half before extra time with Marcelo Allende, Aubrey Modiba and Thapelo Morena coming in from their mid-week 1-0 win over Cape Town Spurs.
But they encountered a plucky Tshwane Derby, with AmaTuks showcasing their physical prowess, physicality, fitness and direct play reminiscent of the North African giants in the CAF Champions League.
What they lacked in technical ability they made up in their domination aerially and second balls wins in midfield and defence, but Sundowns still managed to carve them open, which resulted in Lucas Ribeiro Costa scoring a stunner after eight minutes.
Picking up a loose ball from just outside the area, he smashed the ball into the top corner leaving Edward Maova flat-footed and admiring the strike into the top corner.
Just after the half-hour mark, Delano Abrahams drew matters level, with a set-piece, which was knocked down into his path inside the area to smash the ball beyond Ronwen Williams and they went on hold Sundowns for the rest of regulation time to take the game into extra-time under the lights in Atteridgeville.
Sundowns had full control of possession as they did in regulation time with substitute Siyabgonga Mabena looking threatening on the left flank. Still, the promotion-chasing Motsepe Foundation Championship side showed incredible resilience in their defensive efforts.
Throwing their body on the line for every shot, tactically disciplined and structured, Motaung’s troops impressed and held their illustrious neighbours to penalties, which was eventually won by Masandawana 4-3 with Ronwen Williams saving two spot kicks.
