Mamelodi Sundowns came from behind to win 3-1 against Bloemfontein Celtic and seal their progression to the MTN8 semi-finals on Saturday evening at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Sundowns came into the game off the back of a loss in the Caf Champions League and a midweek draw with Chippa United in the league.
Celtic, on the other hand, were high in confidence after their impressive 5-0 win over Golden Arrows last Saturday.
Pitso Mosimane’s team started on the front foot and after keeping the ball for a period of time, Hlompho Kekana played through to Sibusiso Vilakazi, but the striker couldn’t keep his volley down.
Downs went close again in the 22nd minute when Kekana got on the end of a Gaston Sirino corner only for his header to cannon off the post.
It was all Sundowns and eight minutes later Celtic keeper Jackson Mabokgwane was called into action to stop a Thapelo Morena strike from sneaking in.
Despite all their possession and dominance Downs went into the break level with their visitors.
The Brazilians continued to pile on the pressure in the second half as first Lebohang Maboe had a shot blocked, and then Sirino broke away from his man and got a snapshot off from range which Mabokgwane saved.
Then, against the run of play, the visitors took the lead when Ndumiso Mabena placed his free kick beyond Mabokgwane into the left-hand corner in the 57th minute.
The home side pushed to get back level and were handed a golden chance in the 74th minute when Mzwanele Mahashe brought down Keletso Makgalwa in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Themba Zwane stepped up and fired the spot kick into the back of the net to bring his side level.
Minutes later Lebusa fired Downs ahead when he was picked out by a Rivaldo Coetzee free kick to the near post, which the defender guided beyond the Celtic keeper.
The tie was then wrapped up by the men from Chloorkop when Keletso Makgalwa cut in from the right on to his left foot and found the bottom corner.
It was 3-1 to Downs at full time as the Brazilians march into the semi-finals.
