Mamelodi Sundowns dumped the University of Pretoria, Tuks to seal their passage to the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup tournament. The quarter-final clash between Sundowns and Tuks was staged at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Friday night as it ended in a 1-all draw.
Following a stalemate in regulation and after extra time, Sundowns were forced to dispatch their neighbours out of the tight contest via penalty shoot-outs. Coach Rulani Mokwena’s troops showed signs of fatigue as they struggled to break down a solid wall by Tuks at the back. They won via a 4-3 score margin.
Downs Dump Tuks to Reach Nedbank Semis
The Brazilians showed their resilience to book a spot in yet another semi-final this season but it was not easy to grind the result after extra time. The reigning DStv Premiership side, Sundowns faced a tough and tactically disciplined Tuks coached by Tisane Motaung.
Mokwena went with his best possible team that included vastly experienced campaigners like Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Marcelo Allende, Themba Zwane, and Lucas Ribeiro. Fresh from a 1-0 win over Cape Town Spurs in the league during the week, Sundowns faced a difficult opponent that lacked the technical ability.
However, Masandawana still managed to carve them open, which resulted in Lucas Ribeiro Costa scoring a stunner after eight minutes. The Brazilian picked 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, Tuks found an equaliser through Delano Abrahams with a set-piece. He was knocked down into his path inside the box to smash the ball beyond 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 penalties were scored by Marcelo Allende, Lucas Ribeiro, Mothobi Mvala, and Peter Shalulile while Gaston Sirino’s penalty was saved and Tuks scored their spot kicks through Thabiso Mokoena, Kaketo Majadibodu and Delano Abrahams.
Sundowns: Masandwana Reach Another Semi-Final in a Week
The semi-final berth in the Ke Yona competition comes on the back of a successful passage into the semis of the lucrative CAF Champions League last week. Sundowns faced a stubborn Young Africans outfit at Loftus Versfeld Stadium and the clash was also decided on penalties.
Masandawana reached the Last Four and set up a date against Esperance of Tunisia where keeper Williams saved two penalty kicks.
Sundowns: Williams the Hero for Sundowns
Masandawana had to rely on the brilliance of Williams to see them through past Tuks. Williams started between the goalposts and showed his quality when he saved two shots. He denied the Motsepe Foundation Champions campaigners of a spot in the semis. Meanwhile, Sundowns maintained their dream of a quadruple.
Tuks vs Sundowns: What’s Next for Sundowns
As things stand, Sundowns are scheduled to face Moroka Swallows on Monday but it seems the Birds have agreed to reschedule and give Sundowns time to prepare for their Champions League semi-final tie. On the other hand, Tuks will return to their league assignments and meet Maritzburg United on April 16.
Related: Tuks vs Sundowns Preview: Tuks To End Downs’ Quadruple Hopes?
