Mamelodi Sundowns produced another potent performance yesterday and advanced to the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup.
The fact that Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates had crashed out of the tournament the day before, means Sundowns remain the only big gun in the tournament that involves teams from lower leagues.
Though Sundowns turned up late, it was yet another superb match with the team continuing their fine form.
Yesterday’s 3-1 win over Platinum Stars, sealed withy goals from Mzikhayise Mashaba, Khama Billiat and Hlompho Kekana, took the goal-scoring tally of the Brazilians to 14 out of five matches in all competitions – the Absa Premiership, the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Champions League.
Sundowns dominated the opening half and midfield had the lion’s share of possession.
Attackers Billiat and Cuthbert Malajila saw promising chances fall short as Stars defence stood their ground.
There was finally a breakthrough when the visitors broke the deadlock. The goal by Mashaba, who returned to the line-up, was a classic.
Kekana, who had been babysitting Downs midfield, exchanged passes with Teko Modise, who brought Themba Zwane into the game. Zwane off-loaded to Billiat, who returned the favour. Zwane spotted his namesake Siyanda Zwane’s run down the right into the box and he obliged with a through ball.
The defender composed himself and released a pass to the spot kick. Mashaba was the beneficiary.
After superb control, the utility player fired his shot beyond the reach of keeper Kabelo Dambe.
Stars needed to respond and they tried. Striker Ndomiso Mabena surged forward down the right and he swung in a curve ball, but keeper Denis Onyango stretched to punch it.
Stars were relentless in their search for an equaliser.
Towards the end of the first half, their efforts yielded fruit. Stars playmaker Mogakolodi Ngele was the orchestrator. The Botswana international eliminated Zwane with a brilliant stepover and fed Letladi Madubanya just outside the box. Madubanya unleashed a low shot that Eleazar Rodgers guided into the net. An effort to restore their lead saw Modise combine with Zwane before the latter found Billiat on the edge of the box. But the shot by the Zimbabwean star went agonisingly over the bar.
The second half was not contested at the same pace.
The tempo decreased. Stars had an opportunity with Mabena and Rodgers combining well against Downs defence. Mabena laid a pass for Sthembiso Msomi, who made a run from the deep, but his shot went straight to Onyango. Sundowns didn’t have clear cut chances. Besides the header by Malajila, it was dry.
However, with 10 minutes to go, Sundowns increased their tally with Billiat adding a second goal.
Kekana, who moved forward following the introduction of Bongani Zungu, found Billiat on the edge of the box. Billiat made a world-class turn before rifling a left footed shot that bewildered Dambe.
After the goal, Billiat played like a possessed man. He navigated his way around Stars defence and only a tackle could stop him. However, it was an illegal tackle. Referee Zolile Mthetho awarded a free kick.
Up stepped Kekana, who curled a scorcher to make it 3-1.
Stars tried to force their way back into the game, but it wasn’t to be. Pitso Mosimane even threw in defender Wayne Arendse in place of Malajila as they stormed into the last eight of the Nedbank Cup.
Sundowns remain in the running for the Absa Premiership, the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Champions league. - The Star