Jali delighted with Derby win

Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Andile Jali knew their Nedbank Cup encounter against SuperSport United would be tough as it was the fourth clash between the sides this season.

Sundowns emerged 1-0 victors on the night thanks to a Sibusiso Vilakazi goal to book their place in the round of 16 of the Nedbank Cup.

Of the other three encounters between this season, both sides have one win each and a draw.

SuperSport were actually the better side for much of the game despite losing in the end and Vilakazi admitted it is always difficult to play against an opponent that knows your game so well.

"It's important for the team. Every time we play a team like SuperSport, we know they're going to come at us. So sometimes we must just relax and not put pressure and just let to come at us," he said.

"You know it's difficult. It's a derby so this team we played them the fourth time this season so it was difficult because they know us, we know them. So it was not easy.

"You know, every time we play SuperSport it's either 2-1 or 1-0 so it's normal. It's like that (tight)," he added.

The result was marred by an unfortunate injury to Thapelo Morena, who provided the assist for Vilakazi's goal, which will likely need surgery.

"Our goal came from him so he gave a good assist. We know him with the speed so he used his speed and crossed the ball," Jali said.

"So when you see something like this to our own players it's not easy for us to take but we have to accept it and say sorry to him. But the leg is gone and it's painful."

- TeamTalk Media