Mamelodi Sundowns progressed to the MTN8 final after defeating Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in the second leg of their semi-final on Saturday afternoon.
As suspension ruled Khuliso Mudau and Mothibi Mvala, the Brazilians brought in Grant Kekana and Mosa Lebusa as their replacements, whilst Chiefs recalled Brandon Petersen, Zitha Kwinika, Tebogo Potsane and Pule Mmodi following their loss to SuperSport United in midweek.
Forward Peter Shalulile had the host off to an electrifying start ten seconds in when he pressed goalkeeper Petersen from the front and finished from a tight angle.
Chiefs should’ve gone back on level terms minutes later through a close-range shot by Ashley Du Preez following a surging run from a stray pass, but he went over.
The Amakhosi were level though on the half-hour mark when Sipho Mbule conceded a penalty after handling in the area, which Ashley Du Preez step up to level it up on the day and on aggregate.
Sundowns, however, were back ahead on the stroke of halftime after Lucas Ribeiro Costa beat Reeve Frosler and played a pin-point ball to the back-post for Shalulile to head in a gaping net.
With the Brazilians making no changes before the resumption, the Amakhosi introduced Edmilson Dove in the place of Sifiso Hlanti.
Du Preez very nearly got the visitors level once again this time with a low shot from a cutback ten minutes in the second half, but he couldn’t beat goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Masandawana did enjoy openings minutes gone as Thapelo Maseko launched a decoy run to work a yard of space and force Petersen to a save with a low shot.
The Amakhosi launched a late search through Mduduzi Mdantsane in the box, but Masandawana survived and confirmed the win as well as a spot in the final.
Confirmed line-ups:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Kekana, Lebusa, Boutouil, Coetzee, Mokoena, Mbule, Allende, Zwane, Ribeiro, Shalulile.
Subs: D. Onyango, B. Onyango, Mashego, Modiba, Zungu, Morena, Maseko, Mendieta, Nku.
Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Frosler, Hlanti, Ditlhokwe, Msimango, Maart, Castillo, Matlou, Potsane, Mmodi, Du Preez.
Subs: Khune, Njabulo Ngcobo, Kwinika, Dove, Mdantsane, Shabalala, Zwane, Saile, González.
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