Mamelodi Sundowns were made to sweat for their spot in the MTN8 semifinal against Polokwane City, winning the match with an own goal at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.

Despite an exchange of blows and Sundowns playing without an outright goalkeeper due to a red card for Denis Onyango, both teams could not find the net within 90 minutes.

The PSL champions started the game on a front foot as they looked to add the elusive MTN8 to their trophy cabinet, but Rise and Shine looked equal to the test, determined to be the dark horses of the tournament.

Sundowns almost drew first blood in the fifth minute with Lucas Ribeiro’s acrobatic effort that was tipped over the bar by Manuel Sapunga, setting the mood for the entire match.

Despite the miss, it wasn’t the last time they’d pay a visit to Polokwane’s goal as Peter Shalulile returned in double quick time only to be denied by both goalposts.

Polokwane returned fire in quick succession determined to prove they were not a pushover, however, their efforts were nullified by Onyango’s double save.

Regardless of their good intentions, Sundowns’ lack of accuracy in the final third was palpable with Aubrey Modiba and Ribeiro floating their open shots over the bar and Shalulile’s free header going out wide, sending the game level at halftime.

The second half kicked off similarly to the first, The Brazilians hogging the ball and creating chances, almost pulling away with Mosa Lebusa’s header from a corner, but Cole Alexander’s clearance was the telling difference.

To bolster their attack, both teams looked to the bench, Sundowns bringing in Themba Zwane for Tashreeq Matthews and Polokwane introducing Oswin Appollis who is rumored to be on his way to an unmentioned Algerian club.

As the eventless second half neared its end, Onyango was shown a red card for handling the ball outside the box, taking one for the team, adding a twist to the game’s tail.

To everyone’s surprise, Lebusa assumed the goalkeeper’s duties despite the club having one more substitute left.

10 minutes into extra time, Teboho Mokoena’s lofted pass into the goal was enough to undo Polokwane City’s defense. Thabang Matuludi miskicked his clearance and sent the ball rolling into his net. However, Jody February pulled off a great save later on for Sundowns when he denied Appollis, who was clean on goal to make a leveler and take the game to extra time.  

But Sundowns hung on for the hard-fought victory to join Orlando Pirates, Cape Town City, and Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 semi-final.