Mamelodi Sundowns were crowned MTN8 champions after overcoming Cape Town City 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening.

Sundowns made only one change from the side that beat Maniema Union in the Caf Champions League as Thapelo Morena was named in the starting lineup in place of Sibusiso Vilakazi.

The Brazilians showed their intent early in the first half and produced the first chance of the game after one minute, but Lyle Lakay’s free kick was well saved by Hugo Marques.

Peter Shalulile nearly broke the deadlock in the 15th minute when he received a cross from Khuliso Mudau, but the ball just escaped the Namibia international.

Sundowns eventually took the lead in the 24th minute when Thapelo Morena opened the scoring with a simple tap following great work from Thabiso Kutumela.

CT City nearly responded only two minutes later but Denis Onyango made a great save from point-blank range to deny Craig Martin before Sundowns tested the City goalkeeper from a free kick through Kutumela, but Marques made a great save to deny the attacker from distance.

Sundowns went into the half-time break with a one-goal lead over the Citizens through a goal from Morena.

The visitors opted to make their first substitution early in the second half as Kutumela was taken off and replaced by striker Kermit Erasmus.

Morena had a chance to complete his brace and double his side’s lead in the 51st minute, but saw his first-time effort from the edge of the box sail over the crossbar.

Sundowns should’ve doubled their lead in the 59th minute when Themba Zwane unleashed a thunderous strike at goal, but saw his shot crash off the woodwork before Morena’s effort was saved by the City keeper eight minutes later.

The home side eventually drew the game level at 1-1 in the 75th minute when Fagrie Lakay found the back of the net.

The Brazilians then made their second change after 84 minutes of play as Neo Maema came on to replace Khuliso Mudau.

Lakay should have put the game to bed in stoppage time but the Sundowns left back saw his free kick sail inches over the crossbar. Neither side could be separated after 90 minutes and the game went into extra time.

City were then reduced to 10 men in extra time as Nathan Fasika was shown his marching orders after picking up a second yellow, forcing a penalty shootout after the game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes.

Sundowns managed to secure the MTN8 title after claiming a 3-2 victory over City on penalties in Durban after Onyango saved five penalties to claim the man-of-the-match award.