Sundowns thrash Stars
Mamelodi Sundowns ran riot as they defeated Free State Stars 6-1 in their Telkom Knockout Cup last eight encounter.
|||Bethlehem- Mamelodi Sundowns ran riot as they defeated Free State Stars 6-1 in their Telkom Knockout Cup last eight encounter held at Goble Park Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Brazilians signalled their intentions early in the first half when they scored three goals courtesy of Mogakolodi Ngele, Leonard Castro and Keagan Dolly. Their three second half goald were scored by Themba Zwane, Bongani Zungu and Katlego Mashego who sealed the victory.
However, Danny Venter pulled one back for the hosts on the stroke of half-time.
Despite the heat in the Free State, both sides displayed good football as they were both coming off midweek wins in their Absa Premiership matches.
It was Pitso Mosimane's men who grabbed the lead in the 21st minute when Ngele netted his first for the Brazilians when he connected with a beautiful pass from Asavela Mbekile from a cross down the left.
Ea Lla Koto allowed the Tshwane giants some time on the ball and four minutes later, Castro netted his maiden goal for the visitors although it is thought that goalkeeper, Daouda Diakite conceded an own goal in the 25th minute.
Castro finished a cross from Khama Billiat and made it two for Mosimane's side but as the match continued, with the crowd fully vocal behind the hosts, Dolly grabbed a goal for Sundowns in the 34th minute when he finished a sweet cross by Ngele down the left following a great ball by Zungu from the middle of the park.
The Bethlehem-based side couldn't give up and continued probing for an opener and Venter was in a great position to score in the 44th minute when he finished off a wonderful assist by Katlego Mashego beating Dennis Onyango.
It was evident that the goal revived the hosts' spirit and with just two minutes to go to the interval, Somaeb hit the woodwork as they nearly grabbed their second goal but it was Sundowns who went to the tunnel enjoying a 3-1 lead.
Substitute Zwane managed to slot the fourth goal in the 68th minute from a Dolly delivery in the penalty area. In the 71st minute, Zungu made it five when he headed home a fantastic corner from Teko Modise which gave the keeper, Diakite no chance at all.
But, it was not over yet as Mashego netted the sixth goal three minutes later with Modise providing the assist once again.
The Brazilians join Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and defending champions SuperSport United in the semi-finals of the cup competition. - ANA