Sundowns clinch treble with Nedbank Cup win

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Mamelodi Sundowns completed the domestic treble by defeating Marumo Gallants 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup final at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Brazilians got off to a great start, producing the first chance at goal when Gaston Sirino forced a save out of Washington Arubi in the opening exchanges.

Thabiso Kutumela had a chance to hand Sundowns the lead in the 11th minute, but blazed his effort over the crossbar after he was set up by Khuliso Mudau.

Sundowns eventually took the lead in the 33rd minute when Peter Sahlulile opened the scoring with a well-taken strike from inside the box to make it 1-0.

However, Gallants pressed forward in the closing stages but were unable to penetrate their opponent’s defence as the game went into the half-time break 1-0 in favour of Sundowns.

Kennedy Mweene was called into action early in the second half when he made a good save to deny Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo’s deflected shot.

Kutumela should have doubled his side’s lead in the 51st minute but his acrobatic effort raised above the crossbar after receiving a pass from Sirino.

Sundowns made their first substitution in the 66th minute when Kutumela and Sirino came off and were replaced by Sphelele Mkhulise and Themba Zwane.

Gallants managed to level matters in the 75th minute when Sede Junior Dion found the back of the net to make it 1-1, but neither side could be separated as the game was forced into extra time.

However, Sundowns managed to win at the death when Thapelo Morena showed his composure to find the back of net as Sundowns dethroned Galants to secure the title.