Mamelodi Sundowns secured their progression to the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup after a hard-fought 2-0 win over Vaal University of Technology on Sunday afternoon.

Masadanwana booked their spot in the round of 16 with a win over Tshwane rivals SuperSport United a couple of weeks ago before coach Pitso Mosimane got his wish with Downs drawing lower league in VUT.

The side from the SAB beat PSL opposition in Golden Arrows to set up the clash with the defending Absa Premiership champions and were hoping of another big scalp in the cup.

Mosimane made a number of changes for the encounter, with only Lebohang Maboe and Nicholus Lukhubeni remaining from the team that started against Bloemfontein Celtic in midweek.

The lower league started the game with lots of passion and energy as they looked to press Sundowns high up the field in the opening stages.

The Brazilians had their first sight on goal in the 14th minute after Bangaly Soumahoro got a free header inside the box, but his effort was saved by shotstopper Obakeng Naane.

Sundowns then went close again in the 27th minute after Maboe beat the offside trap and was sent through on goal but he couldn’t beat Naane in the VUT goal.

Downs pushed hard to open the scoring in the latter stages of the half as first Soumahoro missed another headed chance and then Keletso Makgalwa was denied by Naane shortly before the break.

It was 0-0 at the break after a frustrating first half for Downs.

It didn’t take Mosimane’s charges long to break the deadlock after the break as Wayne Arendse rose highest from a corner in the 53rd minute before sending a power header into the back of the net.

Sundowns then killed the game off with 70 minutes gone as Phakamani Mahlambi reacted quickest to a deflected cross before poking his shot past the outrushing keeper to double Downs’ advantage.

The Absa Premiership side then showed their class as they managed the game heading into the final stages as they ultimately walked away 2-0 winners and sealed a spot in the final eight.