Mamelodi Sundowns booked their place in the next round of the Nedbank Cup following their 2-0 victory over Mariveni United at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Monday.

The visiting side got off to a bright start and made their attacking presence known in the first minute when Reliance Vilakazi showed his pace to force an early corner after making his way down the flank.

The Brazilians started to get more comfortable in possession but lacked the final product in the early exchanges of the match.

Sundowns came close to taking the lead in the 12th minute when Teko Modise picked out Anthony Laffor in the area but United goalkeeper Hlulani Mbhumbi did well to deny Downs the opening goal.

Sundowns had another opportunity to take the lead in the 22nd minute when Mashaba sent a ball into the area to find Laffor but he blazed his effort over the target.

Mbhumbi continued to show his quality in the second half as he denied Castro’s header in the 48th minute.

However, Sundowns eventually took the lead a minute later when Castro header effort found the back of the net a minute later after latching onto a cross from Fares Hachi.

The Brazilians then doubled their lead when Laffor latched onto a loose ball in the area in the 50th minute after Castro’s headed effort hit the woodwork.

Sundowns came close to extended their lead in the 61st minute when Castro sent a ball into the box but the ball felt behind the onrushing attackers.

Mzikayise Mashaba came close to adding his side’s third goal when his made his way down the l before firing his effort wide of the target.

However, Sundowns held on to their 2-0 lead until the final minute they booked their place in the next round of the Nedbank Cup.

Image: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePi