Nedbank Cup: Sundowns survive Gomora scare to seal Round of 16 slot

Published on by

Nedbank Cup: Sundowns survive Gomora scare to seal Round of 16 slot
Image - SS Football

Mamelodi Sundowns had a shaky performance but still got the job done as they beat third tier club Gomora United to sail through to the Nedbank Cup Round of 16.

Sundowns made the job difficult for themselves as they missed a number of clear chances in the first half before scoring just before the break.

Coach Miguel Cardoso fielded a largely changed side with some players who rarely play getting a run out such as goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse, making his first start this season, Kutlwano Lethlaku, Themba Zwane and Malibongwe Khoza.

Sundowns given first half scare

The rustiness was clear as Sundowns created chances but could not trouble the Gomora goalkeeper until the 40th minute when Peter Shalulile broke the deadlock.

Lethlaku made a good run on the right wing before bringing in a lovely cut-back which was met first-time by Shalulile, who scored his 15th Nedbank Cup goal as he put Sundowns ahead.

However, the lead lasted just five minutes before Gomora equalised with Sundowns very much the architects of their own misery.

Khoza was caught out in possession at the back by Mpho Welcome Maoke who took the ball from him and made a great run towards goal before firing past Pieterse.

How did the Brazilians win it?

Mamelodi Sundowns
Image – Sundowns

In the second half, Cardoso made a number of changes with the likes of Arthur Sales, Bathusi Aubaas, Tashreeq Matthews among those coming on and they yielded the winning goal.

Sales came close to scoring when he fired in a shot that went just past the top corner in the 46th minute but Sundowns kept asking the questions.

Their reward arrived in the 61st minute when Morena rose highest to head home Jayden Adams’ long ball into the back of the net.

With Gomora not attacking, Sundowns held on to claim the win and seal their place in the Round of 16.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

You May Also Like