Shalulile, Morena on Target as Sundowns Advance
Mamelodi Sundowns safely negotiated their way into the Nedbank Cup Last 16 after edging past second-tier Gomora United 2–1, as holders Kaizer Chiefs suffered a shock early exit on Wednesday night.
Four-time champions Sundowns were pushed hard by spirited newcomers Gomora United, but their experience ultimately proved decisive as they preserved an impressive record against lower-league opposition in the competition. The Brazilians have now gone 24 Nedbank Cup matches without defeat against teams from outside the top flight (W23 D1).
Sundowns struck first through Peter Shalulile, who once again delivered on the big stage. The Namibian forward extended his record as the leading goalscorer in Nedbank Cup history to 15 goals, moving further clear of Hlompho Kekana and Kermit Erasmus, who are tied on 11.
Gomora, making their Nedbank Cup debut, refused to be overawed and were rewarded just before halftime when Mpho Maoke scored his first-ever professional goal to draw his side level at 1–1 heading into the break.
The second half followed a familiar script, with Sundowns gradually asserting control. Their breakthrough came just after the hour mark when Thapelo Morena struck the decisive goal, continuing his strong association with the competition after also netting the winner in the 2022 final.
While Sundowns progressed as expected, attention elsewhere fell on the elimination of defending champions Kaizer Chiefs, who went down 2–1 to Stellenbosch FC at a sold-out Cape Town Stadium. Chiefs became the first reigning champions to exit the competition at the Last 32 stage since 2020.
For Sundowns, however, the focus remains firmly on another potential cup run as they continue their pursuit of further silverware this season.