Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s cheeky penalty saw Mamelodi Sundowns beat Marumo Gallants 2-0 at Dr Molemela Stadium on Sunday to reach the Carling Knockout final.  

Neo Maema, who is from the part of Bloemfontein, scored the second late from close range in the referee’s optional time from Kutlwano Letlhaku’s assist with the ball crashing the upright before it went in.  

Manqoba Mngqithi’s side will now meet newbies side Magesi FC in the final at Toyota Stadium on 23 November.  

Although Sundowns reached the final, it was a game that would be easily forgettable as it lacked imagination until Costa scored a cheek penalty to leave Washington Arubi rooted in goals to light up the game.  

The Brazilians started this game with most of their regular players that were rested in their 2-0 victory against Polokwane City at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday.  

Only Ronwen Williams and Peter Shalulile managed to start on Sunday to the team that started against Rise and Shine, and there was also a return of the likes of Costa, Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners.  

Both teams started this game on a high foot, and the first attempt was for the home side. Williams made a great save in the 12th minute to deny Daniel Msendami an opportunity to score the first goal of the match.  

The Brazilians got a chance to capitalise after 30 minutes, unfortunately Shalulile’s header went wide. The first half ended 0-0 as no one managed to score at least one goal.  

In the second half, Shalulile forced Sibusiso Sikhosana to make a hand ball from inside the box in the 50th minute, and fortunately the Brazilians got a penalty.  

The Brazilian winger Costa made no mistake as he scored a great penalty to put his team ahead. Sundowns coach Mngqithi made his first sub in the 60th minute as he introduced Terence Mashego and Neo Maema who substituted the Bafana Bafana duo Aubrey Modiba and Bathusi Aubaas.  

The home side got a chance to equalise in the 66th minute but Thapelo Dhludhlu’s shot was saved by the Bafana Bafana captain Williams.  

Sundowns, who were untroubled, added the second late in the closing seconds of the game when Maema’s thunderous strike left Arubi rooted in his posts to see the African giants reach the Carling Cup final.