Mamelodi Sundowns booked their place in the Nedbank Cup last 16 after claiming a 1-0 victory over Cape Town All Stars at Athlone Stadium on Friday evening, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The Brazilians got off to a good start with Percy Tau having a crack at goal from a direct free-kick, but the forward failed to trouble Ludwe Mpakumpaku with his effort.

Igugu Lekapa grew in confidence as the match progressed and had a chance of their own in the 22nd minute when Ntshuxeko Ndlovu unleashed a strike from outside the box, but the midfielder directed his effort over the target.

Ndlovu came close to breaking the deadlock in the 33rd minute after his attempt hit Motjeka Madisha before the ball deflected out for a corner.

Neither side could find the opening goal in the first 45 minutes as the match went into the half time interval locked at 0-0.

Lucky Setelele had a golden opportunity to put his side ahead three minutes into the second half, but the striker failed to find the back of the net from close range.

All Stars came close to taking the lead after 60 minutes when Ndlovu capitalised on a defensive error by Wayne Arendse, but he was unable to steer his effort towards the target.

The visitors eventually broke the deadlock three minutes later after Tau was picked out by Gaston Sirino before calmly slotting the ball into the net to make it 1-0.

Ruzaigh Gamildien had a chance to level matters with 10 minutes to play, but the Stars midfielder failed to hit the target from distance.

Tau should’ve doubled Sundowns lead three minutes later after he was set up by Thokozani Sekotlong, but the forward blazed his effort over the bar before Mpakumpaku came to his rescue to keep out Sirino’s effort at goal.

However, the Brazilians held on to their one-goal lead over All Stars to advance to the round of 16 in the Nedbank Cup.

Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix