Mamelodi Sundowns were crowded Telkom Knockout Cup champions after edging Maritzburg United 2-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The Brazilians made their way into the final two of the competition after securing a 2-1 victory over Golden Arrows in the semi-final on 23 November.

Meanwhile, the Team of Choice booked their place in the final after edging Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at the Mbombela Stadium on 24 November.

Maritzburg almost got off to a flying start in the second minute after a collision between Denis Onyango and Mosa Lebusa nearly gifted United with the opening goal, but Daylon Claasen failed to capitalise with the goal gaping.

Sundowns were struggling to carve out any clear-cut chances in the final third, despite seeing more possession of the ball in the latter stages of the first half.

Maritzburg eventually broke the lead six minutes before the break when Judas Moseamedi floated the ball into an empty net after a miscommunication between Onyango and Lebusa.

However, United held on to their one-goal lead over Sundowns as the game went into the half time break.

Sundowns came out the better side in the second half and managed to level matters early on when Mauricio Affonso headed the ball into an empty net after Richard Ofori failed to clear the ball from danger.

Affonso should’ve handed his side the lead in the 65th minute but the forward failed to direct his header on target after he was picked out by Thapelo Morena.

Erick Tinkler made his first change of the game three minutes later when Deolin Mekoa came on to replace Claasen.

Affonso eventually handed his side the lead for the first time in the game when he latched on to a corner from Gaston Sirino to head the ball home from close range.

Tinkler opted to bring on a fresh pair of legs in the 78th minute when Thabiso Kutumela came in to replace Miguel Timm before making their final change moments later when they brought on Clive Augusto for Shandu.

At the other end, Sundowns made a change of their own three minutes later as Sphelele Mkhulise was taken off in place of Anele Ngcongca.

Moseamedi thought he levelled matters in stoppage time when he found the back of the net but he was flagged for offside.

However, Sundowns held on to their lead over Maritzburg until the final whistle to clinch the TKO title.