By Michael Madyira
Mamelodi Sundowns sneaked into the Nedbank Cup final after edging Stellenbosch 2-1 at Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday.
Khuliso Mudau thrust Sundowns ahead after 11 minutes before Thembinkosi Lorch doubled their advantage on 74 minutes.
The home side reduced arrears through Genino Palace with nine minutes remaining as Stellenbosch’s 26-match unbeaten run came to a halt.
Following Sunday’s victory, Sundowns set up a date with Orlando Pirates in the 2023/24 Nedbank Cup final.
This will be the second time the traditional giants meet in a Cup final this season, after the Buccaneers prevailed in the MTN8 last October.
With eight minutes into the contest, Stellenbosch captain Deano van Rooyen made a goal-saving interception on Peter Shalulile who was clear on goal preparing to fire home.
But Mudau handed Sundowns the lead by shooting from a tight angle, finishing a slick pass from Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
The hosts thought they deserved a penalty in the 14th minute when Themba Zwane appeared to have handled inside the box while attempting to defend a corner kick.
To avoid the risk of having defender Divine Lunga being red-carded as he sat on a yellow card while struggling to contain Devin Titus, Sundowns coach took off the Zimbabwean on 28 minutes for Thapelo Morena.
It was during a dramatic period which also saw linesman Zakhele Siwela pulling his hamstring and having to be replaced by the fourth official for the touchline duties.
Iqraam Rayners then had his goal disallowed for offside as the Maroons thought they had equalised.
In the injury time of the first half, Ribeiro then laid the ball off for Shalulile who was again slow to execute and allowed Moloisane to clear danger.
Just after the restart, Rayners broke loose but saw his shot go just wide after shooting from an acute angle.
With Stellenbosch determined to level up, they were undone by well-calculated Sundowns offside traps.
Masandwana then doubled their lead through substitute Lorch, who finished a Shalulile assist and the Brazilians had an opportunity to make it 3-0 but Shalulile missed from the penalty spot.
That powered the hosts to continue pressing for a comeback and they were rewarded when Palace was released by Antonio van Wyk to squeeze the ball past Ronwen Williams.
Pictured above: Stellenbosch vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Image source: Stellenbosch
