By Michael Madyira
Mamelodi Sundowns huffed and puffed to edge 10-man Moroka Swallows 1-0 at Lucas Moripe Stadium and storm into the MTN8 semi-finals on Saturday.
Captain Themba Zwane struck three minutes into the second half to hand the Brazilians victory on an afternoon where they had to sweat hard.
The Dube Birds spent the better part of the afternoon with 10 men following a seventh-minute red card to Andile Jali who lost an opportunity to prove a point against his former paymasters.
The Brazilians are now on course to reclaim the trophy they surrendered to Orlando Pirates last season.
Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena surprisingly benched Peter Shalulile; and 18 minutes into the match, he pulled out defender Khuliso Mudau for debutant Bathusi Aubaas.
Mokwena’s opposite number Steve Komphela handed new signing Vusi Sibiya his debut in a squad that had no surprise selections.
It proved to be a massive test for the hosts who struggled with a man down.
Neo Maema came close on 36 minutes but found Daniel Akpeyi unyielding in goals for the visitors.
Akpeyi was back again with a double save of efforts by Mokoena and Lucas Ribeiro Costa towards half-time.
Just three minutes into the second stanza, Zwane’s powerful finish off Ribeiro’s feed separated the two sides.
Swallows did little to hit back but continued limiting the Brazilians from finishing off in the final third and their goalkeeper Akpeyi was eventually named man-of-the-Match.
Mokwena’s side risked having Swallows coming back but held on to their slim lead.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Moroka Swallows
Image source: Moroka Swallows
