MTN8: Mamelodi Sundowns edge Polokwane City to secure MTN8 semi-final

Tebogo Mokoena came close to open the scoring in the 12th minute with a dipping free-kick that narrowly missed the frame of the goal.

Rise and Shine thought they had scored, but a 16th-minute strike came back off the crossbar before Sundowns produced the same result at the other end through Peter Shalulile.

Aubrey Modiba was next with an effort, but his first-time shot in the box flew just over the bar.

At the other end, Onyango was forced into a superb double save, ahead of a powerful Mokoena shot that stung the palms of Sapunga.

With the first half winding down, Shalulile powered a header just wide as the two teams descended down the tunnel level pegging.

The start of the second half was a more laboured affair before Mosa Lebusa connected well to a Modiba delivery but could only watch as his effort was cleared off the line.

Sundowns rang the changes in an effort to affect the result but were reduced to ten men when Onyango saw red for handing the ball outside of his area.

With all their regulation time substitutes already on the field, Onyango was temporarily replaced by Lebusa until the end of the game, when February came, ahead of extra time with, the score still level.

And despite the disadvantage, Downs still pressed forward, and ultimately forced home a goal, with Matuludi unfortunate to steer the ball into his own net.

February then made an important contribution as he did well to keep out City substitute Oswin Appollis to maintain his side’s lead, for what proved to be the last real action of the tie, as Sundowns ran out narrow winners.

Sundowns will now face Stellenbosch in the semi-finals while Cape Town City take on Orlando Pirates.