The Brazilians stop Aces in their tracks

Experience and star power shone through for Mamelodi Sundowns when they beat a spirited Mpumalanga Black Aces 2-0 in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday.

Teko Modise put the Brazilians in front with a free kick while former Aces midfielder, Themba Zwane, was named man of the match after scoring a fantastic second goal that put the result beyond doubt.

Mamelodi Sundowns duly gained a manner of revenge over Black Aces in their second encounter this week after the sides had to settle for a much-disputed draw in their Absa Premiership match on Wednesday.

Fans eagerly awaited to see which side had done its homework in the lead up to this encounter, with both looking to gain the upper hand in this ongoing rivalry.

Black Aces striker Tendai Ndoro returned to the starting line-up for this crucial cup match on home ground as Aces coach Jacob Sakala looked for more attacking impetus from his side.

It was a cagey and nervy opening in the first few minutes, as can always be expected in a high-profile cup match. Sundowns did most of the attacking in the first few minutes with Aces keeper, Jackson Mabokgwane stopping Khama Billiat from close range, in what was one of Downs’ best chances.

Sundowns thought they had opened the scoring after Cuthbert Malaijila put the ball into the net, only for it to be disallowed because of a foul on the keeper. Sundowns coach, Pitso Mosimane must have thought that lightning had struck twice after a similar incident had cost Sundowns the win in their previous encounter.

The away team, however, continued to pile on the pressure with Aces defending in numbers to stop the onslaught from the men in blue and yellow. Smart defending from Lehlohonolo Nonyane and Edwin Gyimah led to a number of offside calls against Sundowns as they went into the break frustrated at 0-0.

Sundowns number 10, Teko Modise once again showed his playmaking abilities as he scored the opener with a free kick from an acute angle. It can be said that Mabokgwane was surprised as he failed to cover his near post in time.

Aces now had to dig deep and throw more men forward in search of a vital equaliser. Aces had a brilliant chance when Gyimah’s header missed the post by inches after a corner kick in the 60th minute.

Bongolethu Jayiya thought that he put Aces back level after he slotted the ball into the net, but he was rightfully ruled offside. This 10-minute spell was where Aces played their best football and were unlucky not to get a goal.

The home team’s task was made tougher when Zwane made it 2-0 when he blasted

his shot into the

net after a

brilliant midfield build-up. Sundowns fans were in footballing heaven while Aces supporters sank into a dark pit of despair.

Aces tried valiantly in the last 15 minutes to make a comeback but Sundowns kept control and were the deserving winners after a professional display.

Sakala was ever valiant in defeat with his focus now shifting to the Absa Premiership where Aces will need to concentrate their efforts. “Let’s move forward in the league. We are still fighting, we still need some points. There is nothing we can say now about the Nedbank Cup.”