Mamelodi Sundowns progressed to the semi-finals of the MTN8 after a superb 3-1 win over SuperSport United on Sunday.
Khama Billiat started along with regular CBD partners Leonardo Castro and Keagan Dolly while Sibusiso Vilakazi was also handed a start by coach Pitso Mosimane.
It wasn’t Sundowns who started the brighter instead it was SuperSport who pressed harder both at goal and in the tackle as Dean Furman tested Denis Onyango early on.
It was the home side who took the lead as Wayne Arendse prodded home in the 17th minute following scrappy corner. Seven minutes later Castro was forced from the field after a strong challenge by Morgan Gould.
Onyango then showed why he remains the Brazilians number one as he pulled off saves to deny Jeremy Brockie and Bradley Grobler.
Grobler then fell victim to injury with former Kaizer Chiefs forward Kingston Nkhatha introduced as the match headed towards the break. Nkhatha then sent his side into the break on level terms as he headed home on the stroke of half time.
Both sides failed to take advantage of their chances in the second period before Hlompho Kekana helped ‘Downs retake the lead in the 74th minute.
Kekana’s strike was quickly followed up by a goal from Billiat put the result beyond doubt with 10 minutes remaining. The Zimbabwean striker almost made it two but couldn’t keep his 85thminute effort down.
Sundowns win sees them join Chippa United, Cape Town City and Bidvest Wits in the final four.
