Sundowns march into Nedbank Cup quarter-finals after Lorch double
It was a closely matched game, with both teams playing to their full potential and leaving it all on the pitch.
Mamelodi Sundowns claimed victory over Maritzburg United to secure a place in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals on Sunday evening at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
The match ended 2-0, with Sundowns emerging victorious thanks to striker Thembinkosi Lorch’s impressive performance.
It was a closely matched game, with both teams playing to their full potential and leaving it all on the pitch.
The first half ended 0-0, but Lorch’s two goals in the second half proved to be the difference-maker.
Lorch’s brace was met with resounding cheers from the home crowd.
Pietermaritzburg-based Maritzburg United arrived at the Lucas Moripe Stadium ready to take on Mamelodi Sundowns.
The visiting team were determined to make things difficult for the home team, using their aggressive attacking style and strong defence to keep the game scoreless at half-time.
In the early minutes of the game, Andiswa Sithole had a great scoring opportunity but shot wide.
The game was evenly matched until Gaston Sirino almost scored for Mamelodi Sundowns with a curling shot that was saved by the Maritzburg United goalkeeper.
Just as the game was heating up, extreme weather forced a temporary halt.
When play resumed, Bathusi Aubaas had a great opportunity to score for Sundowns, but his shot sailed over the crossbar.
Lebohang Maboe had an excellent scoring opportunity early on in the second half, but a last-ditch effort of a Maritzburg defender blocked his attempt.
The game continued to be a back-and-forth battle, with both teams hungry for a goal that would put them ahead.
Less than 15 minutes later, Bongani Zungu set up a beautiful pass for Lorch to fire a powerful shot into the top corner of the net to put Mamelodi Sundowns ahead.
Lorch struck again in stoppage time, adding another goal to his tally and sealing the victory for his team.
The Brazilians have once again proven their prowess in the Nedbank Cup, securing the final spot in the quarter-finals with this resounding victory.
The draw for the next round of the competition will take place on Monday evening where Mamelodi Sundowns will learn the identity of their next opponent.
Sundowns starting line-up: D. Onyango, Mudau, Lunga, Lebusa, Zungu, Aubaas, Maboe, Allende, Esquivel, Lorch, Sirino.
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