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Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns had to work hard at a rainy Athlone Stadium on Friday night to secure a 1-0 win over Cape Town All Stars in a Nedbank Cup last 32 match.
As it happened: Cape Town All Stars v Mamelodi Sundowns
Stars started positively and had the first chance of the game when after some nice interplay Ruzaigh Gamildien's shot from inside the box was blocked by a defender.
Sundowns struggled to break down a determined home defence and only really had a Percy Tau free kick on 12 minutes, easily saved by Ludwe Mpakumpaku, to show for their early efforts.
On the other hand, Igugu Lekapa were looking up for the challenge and they had some good phases of play and a couple of more shots on goal as Lucky Setelele fired a shot straight at Razak, while Nation Ndlovu's curling effort was deflected wide of goal in the 35th minute.
Masandawana ended the first half strongly as the rain came hammering down, but they were unable to unlock the home defence.
Stars began the second half with great purpose and could well have been in front had Setelele been more clinical in front of goal before Ndlovu missed the target by a matter of inches.
Having failed to take their opportunities, Stars were punished by the 2016 African champions when Leandro Sirino put Tau in on goal and the Bafana Bafana striker finished cool and calmly past Mpakumpaku on the hour mark.
Stars never really mustered much of a comeback although they were always in the game.
While at the other end, the Tshwane team missed to great chances in the dying minutes to extend their lead as Tau fired over from a good position before Sirino's effort was superbly saved by Mpakumpaku.
