Mamelodi Sundowns beat ABC Motsepe League side Sibanye Golden Stars 5-2 to progress to the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 after a shaky start in the second half at Loftus Versveld Stadium on Saturday evening. Sundowns quickly established a 3-0 lead in the first half, courtesy of a brace from Tashreeq Matthews and a goal from emerging defender Malibongwe Khoza.
However, a rapid two-goal comeback from Sibanye early in the second half sparked hopes for the third-tier team, suggesting they might overcome the defending South African champions. Coach Miguel Cardoso had opted to rest key players such as Marcello Allende, Grant Kekana, Peter Shalulile, Teboho Mokoena and Lucas Ribeiro Costa, fielding a largely second-string lineup.
Sundowns opened the scoring in the first minute with a goal from Malibongwe Khoza, heading in a corner kick. Tashreeq Matthews added the second goal in the 14th minute, finishing a well-placed through pass from Kutlwano Letlhaku with poise. Matthews then made it three after intercepting a pass from the goalkeeper to the defender in a critical defensive lapse by Sibanye. Sundowns headed into halftime leading 3-0.
In the second half, Thapelo Maseko, Kobamelo Kodisang, and Sphelele Mkhulise were brought on to replace Matthews, Khoza, and Letlhaku, who had all performed well in the first half.
Arthur Sales had a promising effort thwarted in the 53rd minute, but just one minute later, Sibanye pulled a goal back through a clinical finish from Mojalefa Mokhatla, who managed to beat Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
