Mamelodi Sundowns faced off against University of Pretoria in a Nedbank Cup clash on Friday night that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Despite an early lead secured by Lucas Ribeiro Costa, the Brazilians found themselves locked in a 1-1 draw in extra time, with Delano Abrahams levelling the score. Ultimately, Sundowns clinched victory with a 4-3 penalty shootout triumph.
Reflecting on the nail-biting encounter, Sundowns’ head coach Rulani Mokwena drew parallels to a dental visit, emphasizing the relentless pressure applied by University of Pretoria.
“It was like going to the dentist…so tough,” remarked Mokwena in an interview with SuperSport TV. Expressing frustration at missed opportunities, Mokwena highlighted Sundowns’ dominance in the early stages, lamenting the necessity of a penalty shootout.
Despite the challenges posed by their opponents, Mokwena commended his team’s resilience, acknowledging the difficulty of controlling the game in a cup competition. “It’s so difficult…but okay good, the most important thing is that we’re in the semi-finals,” affirmed Mokwena.
He praised the players’ determination, noting their willingness to take risks and push forward, evident in their offensive substitutions.
Looking ahead, Sundowns will redirect their focus to the DStv Premiership clash against Moroka Swallows on Monday before a crucial encounter against ES Tunis in the CAF Champions League next Saturday.
With the weight of expectations on their shoulders, Mokwena remains resolute, echoing the sentiment, “Heavy is the head, so we just have to continue carrying the crown.”
As Sundowns advance in the Nedbank Cup, their victory serves as a testament to their tenacity and determination to succeed on multiple fronts.