Sekhukhune United put up a valiant effort but it was not enough to stop the Mamelodi Sundowns winning machine. The South African giants are through to the Nedbank Cup semifinals following a 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune after extra time on Friday evening at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Jayden Adams was in the right place to turn in from close range deep into the second half of extra time after Thapelo Morena's effort was deflected off the post. Adams arrive to tap in after a dominant stretch from Masandawana in the extra time session.
Sundowns were generally in control of the match but a strong performance from Sekhukhune goalkeeper Ronaldo Leaner kept the visitors in contention. Sekhukhune even came close to snatching a surprise lead in the 35th minute when Sundowns keeper Ronwen Williams did just enough to keep Keletso Makgalwa's free kick from crossing the goal line.
Squandered opportunities, especially Arthur Sales' awful finish attempt from a Lucas Ribeiro cross in the 84th minute, kept the match scoreless. Another notable incident came just before the end of regulation when Sales crossed for Shalulile to score but the goal was controversially ruled offsides in a decision that looked questionable at best.
However, Sundowns just avoided a tense penalty shootout when Morena was played behind in the 119th minute and his shot from the right wing ricocheted off Leaner and the post before falling to Adams who was left with a simple finish.
Sundowns are the final team to qualify for the semifinals where they will face Kaizer Chiefs. Orlando Pirates will host Marumo Gallants in the other semifinal.
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