Keletso Makgalwa was the hero for Mamelodi Sundowns as he scored deep into extra-time to send his team through to the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup after a 1-0 win over Highlands Park at the Makhulong Stadium on Saturday.
The match ended goalless after 90 minutes and both sides were forced into playing an extra 30 minutes but as the match was heading for a penalty shoot-out Makgalwa popped up to break the home side's hearts.
The game started at a decent pace and the first clear chance fell to Sundowns in the 12th minute when defender Anele Ngcongca headed straight at Highlands goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini from a corner.
The hosts certainly had to be on their toes at the back early on and it was Sifiso Mbhele who was forced to make a last-ditch tackle to deny forward Jose Ali Meza.
Masandawana were piling on the pressure and Lyle Lakay hit the post from a free-kick but the score remained goalless.
The Lions of North started to get into the contest as the half went on and Peter Shalulile had a great chance to break the deadlock but the forward shot straight at Sundowns shot-stopper Denis Onyango just before half-time.
The match seemed a more even contest after the interval with chances few and far between.
Lakay had a good chance on the hour mark but shot wide from a tight angle.
The game became cagey as the end of the 90 minutes came close as both teams did not want to make a mistake and fatigue also played a factor.
Just as it looked as if the coaches were thinking about a penalty shoot-out, Makgalwa received the ball just outside the box in the 25th minute of 30 to send his into the Cup semi-finals.
Sundowns join Bidvest Wits and Baroka FC in the last four with the final spot to be decided on Sunday when TS Sporting host Bloemfontein Celtic.
- TEAMtalk media