A late goal from Keletso Makgalwa helped Mamelodi Sundowns secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Highlands Park to advance to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals on Saturday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

Pitso Mosimane named the likes of Jose Ali Meza, Tiyani Mabunda and Lyle Lakay in the starting lineup, while Themba Zwane was left out of the squad due to his suspension.

Sundowns had a chance to take the lead in the 12th minute when Anele Ngcongca directed his header at goal from a Jose Ali Meza corner, but Tapuwa Kapini made a great save to deny the defender.

The home side were lucky not to concede a goal in the 35th minute after Lyle Lakay rattled the woodwork with his free kick with Kapini well beaten.

Denis Onyango was called into action six minutes later when he made a good save to deny Peter Shalulile, who fired his effort straight at the Sundowns keeper.

Neither side could be separated in the first half as the game went into the break locked at 0-0.

The Lions of the North thought they took the lead early in the second half but Musa Nyatama’s goal was flagged for offside.

Owen Da Gama opted to bring on a fresh pair of legs in the 64th minute when Ryan Rae replaced Makhehlene Makhaula.

The home side made their second change eight minutes later as Bevan Fransman was taken off and replaced by Luckyboy Mokoena.

Kapini came to his side’s rescue in the 78th minute when he produced a good save to keep out Langerman’s effort from distance.

Mosimane made his first change of the game moments later when Keletso Makgalwa came on for Ali Meza.

Shalulile had a chance to earn his side a late win with three minutes left to play, but Madisha made a last moment clearance to deny the Highlands attacker, who was played through on goal.

Sundowns and Highlands were unable to find the winning goal after 90 minutes of play, forcing the game into extra time.

The Lions of the North should have taken the lead in the 102nd minute but Shalulile failed to hit the target with only Onyango to beat.

Sundowns eventually broke the deadlock in the 114th minute when Makgalwa made the most of an error from Rae to fire his effort past Kapaini.

However, Sundowns managed to hold on to their lead over Highlands until the final whistle to snatch a late win at the Makhulong Stadium to advance to the next round.