Mamelodi Sundowns vs Polokwane City
By Sello Masilo
Mamelodi Sundowns have advanced to the semifinals of the MTN8 after a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Polokwane City in a thrilling quarterfinal encounter at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The game, which went into extra time, saw Sundowns snatch the win through an own-goal, securing their place alongside Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch FC, and Cape Town City in the last four of the prestigious Top 8 competition.
Tense Battle Leads to Narrow Victory
The match was a tightly contested affair, with both sides showing determination and resilience. Sundowns, known as Masandawana, started the game on the front foot. Peter Shalulile, the Namibian striker, came agonisingly close to putting his team ahead, striking the woodwork twice in quick succession in the 16th and 17th minutes. Despite their early dominance, Sundowns could not capitalise on their chances.
Polokwane City, affectionately known as Rise and Shine, gradually grew into the match. They posed a significant threat, forcing Sundowns’ veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango to make a crucial double save in the 20th minute. Polokwane’s goalkeeper, Manuel Sapunga, was also called into action, denying Teboho Mokoena’s effort in the 24th minute, keeping the scoreline goalless at halftime.
Second Half Drama and Extra-Time Heartache
The second half saw Sundowns continue to control possession, but they struggled to break down Polokwane’s resolute defence. The game took a dramatic turn in the 83rd minute when Denis Onyango was shown a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. With Sundowns having already used all four of their substitutions, defender Mosa Lebusa was forced to take up the goalkeeper position.
Despite being a man down, Sundowns managed to keep Polokwane at bay. The game remained goalless at the end of regulation time, leading to a tense period of extra time.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 101st minute, but it was an unfortunate own-goal by Polokwane City’s Thabang Matuludi that gave Sundowns the lead. The numerically disadvantaged Sundowns displayed immense character and defensive solidity to hold on to their slender advantage, eventually securing a 1-0 victory.
Post-Match Reflection
The victory sees Mamelodi Sundowns advance to the semifinals of the MTN8, keeping their hopes of lifting the trophy alive. The match, however, will be remembered for its intense drama, particularly Onyango’s red card and Lebusa’s brave stint as an impromptu goalkeeper.
On the other side, Polokwane City will be left to rue their missed chances and the cruel manner in which they were eliminated from the tournament. Rise and Shine will now turn their focus to the upcoming Betway Premiership campaign, where they will aim to bounce back from this disappointment.
Match Summary
Scoreline:
• Mamelodi Sundowns 1 (Matuludi 101’ - OG)
• Polokwane City 0Mamelodi Sundowns XI: Onyango, Lebusa, Coetzee, Mashego (February 90’), Modiba (Maema 72’), Mudau (Morena 71’), Mokoena, Allende, Matthews (Zwane 60’), Ribeiro (Kekana 103’), Shalulile (Maseko 82’).
Polokwane City XI: Sapunga, Matuludi, Nkwe, Nkani, Nkaki, Kambala (Maswanganyi 101’), Ramabu (Appollis 58’), Maphangule, Chauke, Alexander (Marema 80’), Dlamini (Ntamane 58’ Tshabalala 105’).
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