Mamelodi Sundowns made the MultiChoice Diski Challenge quarterfinals after finishing second in Group B with 14 points.
They enjoyed a good run that resulted in them going six matches unbeaten, winning four and scoring 10 goals. Their only defeat came in the final clash against Orlando Pirates, a result that denied them from finishing top.
supersport.com takes a look at the club’s seven group stage of the competition.
Sundowns 2-1 Free State Stars
21 September – Coetzenburg Stadium in Stellenbosch, Cape Town
The young Brazilians kicked off their Diski Challenge campaign against Free State Stars in Cape Town. Their opponents drew first blood as Mlungisi Mbunjane found the back of the net in the 35th minute. Sundowns’ equaliser came late in the game through Thamsanqa Masiya, who slotted home in the 68th minute. They got the winner when the experienced Bonginkosi Ntuli, who was the captain on the day, scored with 10 minutes remaining.
Platinum Stars 0-0 Sundowns
24 September – Nike Training Centre in Pimville, Soweto
Sundowns’ next assignment was a tricky clash against Platinum Stars, who drew with Bidvest Wits in their previous encounter. Stars appeared to have done their homework very well on Sundowns as they managed to hold them and the match remained goalless after the first half. The experience of striker Bonginkosi Ntuli and the trickery of Percy Tau failed to break the Stars’ defence as the match ended in a draw.
AmaZulu 1-2 Sundowns
5 October – Princess Magogo Stadium, Durban
The Pretoria side visited struggling AmaZulu in the third round, looking to return to winning ways. They took the lead through Mpumelelo Hlatshwayo, who found the back of the net in the 28th minute. The home side then found their rhythm and were able to frustrate Sundowns for a long period as they had to wait until four minutes from time for their second goal. Experienced defender Siyanda Zwane, who was struggling to find game time in the first team, scored to extend their lead. AmaZulu’s consolation goal came in the 90th minute via striker Darren Smith.
Sundowns 2-0 Chippa United
11 October – Tuks fields, Pretoria
Sundowns then faced the high-scoring Chippa United, who had crushed Free State Stars 6-2 in their previous clash, where in-form striker Khanyisa Mayo scored a brace. The Brazilians were quick to impose themselves into the match as they went ahead after 16 minutes, with Ntandoyenkosi Ngubane finding the goal. The experienced Khama Billiat, who was returning from injury, doubled the lead in the 20th minute. Sundowns held on to the two-goal lead and took the three points, although they could have scored more had they capitalised on their numerous chances.
Bidvest Wits 1-1 Sundowns
12 October – Tuks Stadium, Pretoria
The Brazilians faced Bidvest Wits the following day, looking to register their third-straight victory. Boosted by the presence of first team players Erwin Isaacs, Tareeq Losper and Asive Langwe, Wits stood their ground. But Sundowns finally broke the deadlock four minutes before the break through Ntandoyenkosi Ngubane’s stunner, which was his second goal in two days. Wits continued to push forward and it paid off as midfielder Tshidiso Monamodi found the equaliser in the 65th minute to earn the Students a point.
Sundowns 3-0 Mpumalanga Black Aces
18 October – Lucas Moripe Stadium, Pretoria
They welcomed Mpumalanga Black Aces in the sixth round at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, where they unleashed young striker Tebogo Reed, who is the son of the legendary former Bloemfontein Celtic's marksman Benjamin Reed. The youngster put Sundowns ahead in the 21st minute, a lead they maintained until the break. Reed completed his brace after the 60th minute and Ntandoyenkosi Ngubane scored the other nine minutes later, which was his third in as many games.
Orlando Pirates 4-0 Sundowns
26 October – Kaleshewe Stadium in Kimberley, North West
Sundowns faced Orlando Pirates in the battle-for-the-top-spot match in the final round. It turned out to be a nightmare encounter for young goalkeeper Tebogo Dlamini, who was deputising for Thela Ngobeni. The Buccaneers opened the scoring through Thabo Rakhale in the 16th minute and Menzi Masuku doubled the lead when he scored a penalty five minutes before the break. Substitute striker Letsie Koapeng netted the third in the 70th minute. The rout was completed when Siphelele Sangweni found the fourth eight minutes later to ensure Pirates finish top of the group.
Group stage record: P7 W4 D2 L1 GF10 GA7 GD3 Pts14
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