Mamelodi Sundowns proceeded to the quarterfinals of the Absa Cup competition after their 2-1 win in extra time over Jomo Cosmos at the HM Pitje Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday.
Paul Masehe fired a powerful shot across Cosmos goalkeeper Avril Phadi, who got a hand to the ball but failed to stop it going inside the net.
In fact, Downs should have led in the 23rd minute but Peter Ndlovu was thwarted by the woodwork, and the Cosmos defence cleared.
Cosmos also had their chance but Innocent Ntsume hit the back of the net with a low shot from outside the box, only to have the goal ruled out because Nkosinathi Nhleko had strayed into an offside position.
Sundowns were awarded a penalty in the second half when Lucas Sebona went down in the box. Sapula stepped up to take the spot kick against his former club, but the ball struck the base of the upright and bounced back into play.
Cosmos drew level 10 minutes later via the boot of Chris Katongo, who beat the offside trap, before tapping past goalkeeper Brian Baloyi’s legs.
With no further chances coming in the remaining minutes of regulation time, the match went into extra time.
Sundowns missed their first chance of the extended period when substitute Lerato Chabangu set up Manqoba Ngwenya, whose first-time shot brought out the best in Phali.
Chabangu took it upon himself to score the all-important goal for Downs in the 96th minute. — Sapa