Mamelodi Sundowns outclassed Orlando Pirates to reach the semi-final of the Nedbank Cup with a 4-1 victory on Thursday.
In a much-anticipated game for cup glory and bragging rights, it was the Brazilians who ran riot and ruled the day with a completely dominating display over their rivals.
The rivalry between both teams was sparked up when Sundowns took the lead just 12 minutes through Peter Shalulile who scored with a low strike. The 27-year-old forward continues to impress greatly for the club and has only missed three games across all competitions. Shalulile has equally been prolific in front of goal, scoring 16 goals alongside seven assists in 29 games for the club.
Shalulile could have grabbed his second of the day but squandered a chance to double their lead as Sundowns continued to press high for the second goal.
However, they left their defence unguarded giving room for Tshegofatso Mabasa to level matters for the Buccanners in the 33rd minute.
With both side levelled on 1-1, the intensity to get the second goal became high as.
Five minutes to the end of the first half break, Mhango squandered two chances that would have completed the comeback for Pirates. Firstly, he latched onto a poor clearance but failed to guide the ball inside before another of his effort was saved by Sundowns star Musa Lebusaas.
Both sides went to the dressing room levelled at the break.
Sundowns came back for the second half looking more energized and made their intent to win known almost immediately. Just four minutes into the game, Zwane restored the lead.
The hosts almost doubled their lead but Rushine De Reuck’s header was cleared off the line by Ben Motshwari.
Not long after, Lebusa almost tucked the ball inside his own net but Dennis Onyango fine reflex save denied Pirates from levelling.
Lesedi Kapinga came off the bench for Sundowns and scored the third goal 12 minutes from time in his first involvement on the ball. Kekana then wrapped up matters for the hosts, scoring the fourth goal in what was already a resounding victory for Sundowns.
The victory will give Sundowns a lot of morale as they head into the Nedbank Cup semi-final clash against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila on Sunday. For Pirates, they will switch their attention to the CAF Confederations Cup where they take on a crunch clash against Algerian side El Setif next Wednesday.