Lorch sends Downs into Nedbank Cup quarterfinals

Mamelodi Sundowns were made to work hard to obtain quarterfinals status in the Nedbank Cup this week following a nervy 2-0 win against Maritzburg United at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Sunday night.

Following a period of intense thunder and lightning, the game was momentarily suspended in the 13th minute. Nevertheless, a late brace by Thembinkosi Lorch was enough to separate the two sides in Pretoria.  

Surprisingly, Maritzburg United held most of the ball during the first 10 minutes of the match and settled into the game with ease. With Sundowns caught off guard, the likes of Gaston Sirino and Marcelo Allende struggled to make their passes stick, especially in the final third of the pitch.

Sundowns regained control of the game after the restart but were met by aggressive defending by the Team of Choice as the midway point of the first half approached.

The Tshwane giants battled to create any notable scoring chances throughout the first 45, with Matias Esquivel and Bathusi Aubaas attempting to make a difference via long-range efforts to no avail.

Sundowns continued to dominate the possession count 10 minutes into the second period, while the Team of Choice were forced to defend on the edge of their area. Stationed inside Maritzburg’s half, Thembinkosi Lorch came close to breaking the deadlock in the 66th minute after seeing a shot from the edge of the area go agonizingly wide of the goalkeeper’s left post.

Following a sustained period of side-to-side passing on the edge of the Maritzburg box, Sundowns took the lead in the 73rd minute as Thembinkosi Lorch opened his account for the Tshwane giants. Lorch breached the stubborn Maritzburg defence with a clever run into the area on the right-hand side of the box before unleashing a powerful shot into the roof of the net.

Lorch then sealed the victory during stoppage time after latching onto Kutlwano Letlhaku’s scuffed shot in the area before guiding the ball past Dumisani Msibi in goal.

Maritzburg United: (0) 0

Mamelodi Sundowns: (0) 2 (Lorch 73’, 94’)

Maritzburg United: Msibi, Madonsela, Slawula, Ncanana, Nzuza, Khumalo, Chingi (Hlongwa 76’), Musaka (Kewuti 64’), Sithole (Conco 64’), Kamatuka (Nkosi 64’), van der Ross (Gaxa 45’)

Mamelodi Sundowns: Onyango, Zungu (Coetzee 87’), Aubaas, Lebusa, Lunga, Maboe (Mbule 71’), Allende (Morena 87’), Mudau, Lorch, Sirino (Letlhaku 71’), Esquivel (Shalulile 61’)