Maritzburg force Downs to work hard for victory

Mamelodi Sundowns laboured to a hardfought 2-0 win over Motsepe Foundation Championship side Maritzburg United in Tshwane last night to reach the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup.

Thembinkosi Lorch (right) scored a brace as the Brazilians advanced to the last-eight of the lucrative cup competition.

He put his effort into the roof of the net from a Bongani Zungu assist to ease the nerves of the home supporters with 15 minutes left on the clock.

Rulani Mokwena made a couple of changes from the team that played to a 1-1 draw against SuperSport United in midweek. Ronwen Williams, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Themba Zwane and Teboho Mokoena were all given a rest.

The changes clearly had an effect on the team as they were not as fluid against a stubborn Martitzburg team that was just happy to sit back and soak up the pressure. Bad weather conditions didn’t help either.

Referee Cedrick Muvhali had no choice but to halt proceedings after 15 minutes with persistent lighting around Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium. Both teams returned to the changeroom to take cover but play got underway an hour later as skies cleared up.

The Brazilians were unable to find a breakthrough and the game went into the break goalless. Lorch stepped up to break the deadlock in the 75th minute of the game against the Team of Choice, who were happy to frustrate the defending DStv Premiership champions in their own backyard.

The goal would have been a huge relief for the former Orlando Pirates man who had his shot blocked inside the box after a pass from Khuliso Mudau moments earlier.

Sundowns will go into tonight’s quarterfinal draw with fellow DStv Premiership rivals Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United, AmaZulu, Stellenbosch FC, Chippa United and TS Galaxy.

University of Pretoria are the only Motsepe Foundation Championship side still left in the competition after they edged Moroka Swallows 2-1 on Friday.