Sundowns edge Stellenbosch FC to book Nedbank Cup final spot

Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC in a Nedbank Cup semifinal match played at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Therefore, Masandawana joined Orlando Pirates in the final which is scheduled to be played at the Mbombela Stadium on 1 June. The newly crowned DStv Premiership champions will be away to Golden Arrows on 8 May.

Stellies, on the other hand, saw their run in the South African FA Cup come to an end in the semifinals for the second year running. Coach Steve Barker's side is scheduled to play host to AmaZulu FC on 8 May.

Masandawana got off to a good start as they exerted pressure on the Stellies defence and they broke the deadlock in the 11th minute. Lucas Ribeiro Costa set up Khuliso Mudau who beat goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke with a hard and low shot to hand Sundowns a 1-0 lead.

Stellenbosch then pressed the visitors as they searched for the equalising goal which saw Anicet Oura force keeper Ronwen Williams into making a save in the 16th minute.

Iqraam Rayners thought he had restored parity in the 40th minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside and the score was 1-0 to Sundowns at halftime.

Masandawana searched for another goal after the restart with coach Rhulani Mokwena having replaced Tashreeq Matthews with Thembinkosi Lorch. The former Orlando Pirates star made an impact in the 74th minute as he headed home a lovely ball from Peter Shalulile to make it 2-0 to Sundowns.

Sundowns had a chance to extend their lead after Mudau was fouled in the hosts' box, but Shalulile placed the resultant penalty over the crossbar in the 80th minute. The visitors went to sleep at the back in the 81st minute and Genino Palace scored with a low shot, but Sundowns held on to secure a 2-1 win on the day.

Stellenbosch (0) 1 (Palace 81')

Sundowns (1) 2 (Mudau 11', Lorch 74')

Stellenbosch: Masuluke, Toure, Moloisane, Basadien (Jurgens 88'), Van Rooyen (Sibande 76'), Nduli (Mgaga 88'), Adams (Palace 76'), De Jong (Van Wyk 61'), Oura, Titus, Rayners

Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Lunga (Morena 28'), Coetzee, Kekana, Aubaas, Allende (Mvala 85'), Zwane (Mkhulise 64'), Matthews (Lorch 46'), Ribeiro (Esquivel 85'), Shalulile