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Mailula strikes takes Sundowns past Polokwane

football08 August 2026 18:20| © Backpage TXT
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Cassius Mailula struck the decisive goal as Mamelodi Sundowns overcame Polokwane City 3-2 after extra time in an entertaining MTN8 quarterfinal played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday evening.

The Brazilians were given a tough test by a determined and physical Rise and Shine, but ultimately their class shone through to see them join Orlando Pirates in the semifinal draw – with two further matches to come on Sunday.

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Polokwane claimed a shock lead in the seventh minute of the match, with a corner kick finding its way to Bonginkosi Dlamini past the back post – he struck home a low drive from a tight angle to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.

Sundowns looked for a quick reply and had a couple of near misses, before their first attempt on target in the 20th minute which saw Tashreeq Matthews power a header toward the top corner, only for goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula to tip the effort over the crossbar.

The subsequent corner kick then saw Antonio van Wyk tee up Teboho Mokoena, who sidestepped one defender before driving a low, left-footed drive into the corner of the net to make it 1-1 in the 21st minute.

The Brazilians claimed the lead just past the half-hour mark, as Van Wyk capitalised on a defensive error from Tlou Nkwe before directing a shot beyond Mathebula for 2-1 in the 31st minute – and a goal on debut for Sundowns.

The hosts held the lead at the break and appeared in control through the first 15 minutes of the second half, until Rise and Shine equalised out of nowhere.

A dead-ball situation brought on some indecision in the ‘Downs defence, and Tidimalo Molokwane was able to nick the ball just ahead of Ronwen Williams and tuck home for 2-2 on the hour mark.

Sundowns almost snatched a regulation-time win when substitute Aubrey Modiba struck for goal from a free kick in the dying minutes, but his effort flashed just wide of the target, leaving the game headed for an extra 30 minutes.

Extra time saw Sundowns continue their dominance (with the occasional counter attacking threat from City), until they finally reclaimed the lead in the 113th minute, with substitutes Thema Zwane and Cassius Mailula combining for the latter to strike home a low drive from the edge of the box to secure a 3-2 triumph for the Brazilians.

The teams will next be in Betway Premiership action on Tuesday 11 August, with Sundowns facing TS Galaxy away, and City at home to Stellenbosch FC.

Mamelodi Sundowns (2) (2) 3 (T. Mokoena 21’, Van Wyk 31’, Mailula 113’)

Polokwane City (1) (2) 2 (Dlamini 7’, Molokwane 60’)

After extra time

Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Johannes (Zwane 101’), Kekana, Basadien (Modiba 69’), T. Mokoena, Matthews (Mdunyelwa 91’), Allende, B. Mokoena (Mothiba 83’), Van Wyk (Letlhaku 69’), Rayners (Mailula 69’)

City: Mathebula (Ngewnya 60’), Manthosi, Ramaja, Nkwe, Nkaki, Dlamini (Daniels 83’), Kambala, Maphangule, Batlhabane (Mnguni 60’), Philander (Modise 37’), Molokwane

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