Nedbank Cup: Early goals ease 10-man Sundowns into quarter-final

Mamelodi Sundowns sealed their place in the quarter-final of the Nedbank Cup following a 2-0 victory against Mpheni Home Defenders on Sunday.

Sundowns broke the deadlock after just eight minutes when Tashreeq Matthews scored via a backheel and they were two goals to the good in the 27^th minute when Bathusi Aubaas made it 2-0.

However, Matthews received his marching orders after 47 minutes, when he was sent off for a second bookable offence following a foul on Mpheni midfielder Ernest Munyadziwa.

That forced Sundowns to play the second half with 10 men and Home Defenders came close to taking advantage but failed to utilise their opportunities.

Who else is in the quarter-final?

Sundowns would have taken the lead as early as the third minute through Arthur Sales but he missed from close range in the box before Matthews’ opener.

Mpheni had shouts for a penalty in the 16^th minute when they claimed a handball but referee Msimeleli Mabuto did not agree with their pleas, waving play on.

The visitors came close to pulling one back just before halftime but Rophney Hlungwane could only find the post.

A largely changed Sundowns did not enforce themselves so much on the game but did just enough to claim the win, joining holders Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Marumo Gallants, Durban City, Stellenbosch and SuperSport United in the quarter-final.