Mamelodi Sundowns advanced to the semi-final of the Nedbank Cup after beating Cape Town City 2-1 at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday afternoon, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The home side showed their intent early on and could’ve broken the deadlock five minutes into the game, but Roland Putsche guided his effort over the target.

Ayanda Patosi had an opportunity to put City ahead, but the forward was unable to direct his effort towards the target.

City goalkeeper Sage Stephens came to his side’s rescue moments later when he produced a fine save to deny Percy Tau’s goal-bound effort.

Gaston Sirino should’ve opened the scoring in the 27th minute after he was picked out by Khama Billiat, but the winger’s shot struck the woodwork.

The woodwork came to City’s rescue once again in the 38th minute after Sibusiso Vilakazi struck the crossbar with his strike.

The match went into the half-time interval with the scoreline locked at 0-0, despite Sundowns dominance.

Sundowns continued their dominance in the second half and took the lead after 53 minutes when Billiat set up Tau, who calmly slotted the ball past Stephens to make it 1-0.

The visitors then doubled their lead nine minutes later after Hlompho Kekana unleashed a powerful strike to find the back of the net from distance, 2-0.

City did manage to pull a goal back in the 68th minute when Surprise Ralani made his way into the area before firing his effort past Denis Onyango in the Sundowns goal.

Tariq Fielies saved City’s blushes with 15 minutes to play after he made a goal-line clearance to deny Tau his brace.

Benni McCarthy’s side pressed forward in search of an equalising goal in the closing stages of the match but were finding it hard to break down Sundowns defence

However, Sundowns held on to their 2-1 lead over City until the final whistle to join Kaizer Chiefs, Free State Stars and Maritzburg United in the Nedbank Cup semi-final.

Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix