On Tuesday evening, Mamelodi Sundowns advanced to the Nedbank Cup Last 16 after defeating Richards Bay FC 3-2 in the Last 32 stage. The match took place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium and saw Peter Shalulile bag a brace for Sundowns.
Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena made several changes to the team that started against Orlando Pirates over the weekend, with only Thapelo Morena, Sphelele Mkhulise and Peter Shalulile keeping their places. The Brazilians pressed Richards Bay high early on and were rewarded on 11 minutes after Shalulile forced his way through into the box and lobbed goalkeeper Salim Magoola.
NedbankCup Last 32 results:
– Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 Richards Bay FC
– Marumo Gallants 3-1 Magesi FC pic.twitter.com/Zk4XLZrX45— Sinethemba Sithole – Journo (@Sinethembah_) February 7, 2023
Sipho Mbule’s well executed free-kick crashed against the upright with Magoola well-beaten, before the visitors were awarded a penalty shortly before the half-hour mark which allowed Nkanyiso Zungu to slot home from 12 yards out to level matters. However, Shalulile should have restored the lead for the hosts just before the interval after a square pass by Morena found him unmarked in the six-yard box but his shot was parried by the agile Magoola.
Mosa Lebusa restored the lead for the hosts within a minute after the break after he glanced home a header from Mbule’s corner, before Shalulile put the game to bed nine minutes later and completed his brace after he fired a low cracking shot that found the bottom corner.
Sundowns had the chance to add to their lead with 15 minutes to go after Thabiso Kutumela was setup clear on goal by Sifiso Ngobeni’s square pass but his shot past Magoola was headed off the line by Ketha Shabalala. However, Katleho Makateng reduced the deficit for Richards Bay in the last minute with a long range shot that caught Denis Onyango off his line, but it was too little too late for the Natal Rich Boyz.
