South Africa’s MTN 8 cup competition finished off the quarterfinal round on Sunday with the anticipated Mamelodi Sundowns-Kaizer Chiefs matchup living up to high expectations. Sundowns appeared to be on their way to an easy victory by taking a 2-0 lead with 23 minutes gone through goals from Peter Shalulile and Themba Zwane, but the defending league champions were made to sweat out their victory in a penalty kick shootout due to an inspired comeback from Chiefs. Bernard Parker pegged a goal back in the first half while debutant Keagan Dolly provided the assist for Khama Billiat to equalize in the second half.
The match could have gone to either team but a penalty kick shootout was needed to separate the sides. Sundowns keeper Kennedy Mweene came up huge to deny several spot kicks from Chiefs, but the shootout was marred by controversy due to clear evidence of Mweene leaving his line early to save multiple penalties, something that was not spotted by the officiating crew. Chiefs only converted one of their five kicks while Mweene and Zwane converted the final two kicks for Sundowns to wrap up the controversial victory.
In the later match, Cape Town City pulled off a surprise win over rising club AmaZulu, winning 2-1 thanks to a late winner from Mduduzi Mdantsane to stun Benni McCarthy’s side. Veteran striker Lehlohonolo Majoro equalized for AmaZulu after an early strike for Cape Town City by Terrence Mashego, but just when the match appeared to be heading to extra time, a clever finish from Mdantsane made the difference on the day.
Highlights from the Sundowns-Chiefs matchup are below as well as the controversial PK shootout. Video of Mdantsane’s winning strike for Cape Town City is also below.
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-2 Kaizer Chiefs (Sundowns advance 2-1 in PK shootout)
Sundowns-Chiefs Penalty Kick Shootout
Cape Town City 2-1 AmaZulu (winning goal from Mduduze Mdantsane)