Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has praised goalkeeper Denis Onyango for saving his side in the MTN8 quarter-final win over Polokwane City at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.  

Onyango came off his line to clear the danger of Oswin Appollis in the second half, but he got the hand of the ball while outside the box and referee Eugene Mdluli sent him off.  

It was after Sundowns missed a glut of chances, especially Peter Shalilile, who saw two efforts come off the upright, in what was the game that they completely controlled and deserved to win.  

As they were a one-man down, fortune favored them as Polokwane City defender Thabang Matuludi, trying to clear the ball, scored in his net and Sundowns were able to hang for the win to reach the semifinal.    

“I think we made it difficult for ourselves,” said Mngqithi after the game on SuperSport TV.  

“I think we had a very good first half where we created probably seven or eight chances. And when you are not taking those chances, you can be scared because when you don’t take your chances in a cup match, the opponent can only get one and punish you.”  

Sundowns will now face Stellenbosch FC, with the first leg set to be played in Pretoria and likely to be at Lucas Moripe Stadium in the coming weeks. Orlando Pirates, who defeated Sundowns in the final last year, will face Cape Town City.  

“And the truth is, Denis had to take one for the team and we had now to restructure and make our lives even more difficult,” continued Mngqithi. 

“But I’m happy that at the end we won the match because I believe we deserved to win.” 

The PSL will now announce the dates and venues in the coming days.