'Arrogant' Mamelodi Sundowns stay on course for treble
"Arrogant" Mamelodi Sundowns stayed on course for a treble by overcoming hosts Cape Town City 2-1 on Sunday in a Nedbank Cup quarter-final.
Percy Tau and Hlompho Kekana scored within eight minutes during the second half at Cape Town Stadium before Bradley Ralani halved the deficit to set up a tense climax.
Sundowns will be away to Maritzburg United in the semi-finals while Kaizer Chiefs host Free State Stars.
"We want to win the South African league and cup double and the CAF Champions League this year," Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane said before the quarter-final.
"I would rather say that than appear to be lacking confidence and ambition. Many may view us as being arrogant -- but we have won trebles before."
After eliminating Cape Town City, Mosimane added: "Experience counted for a lot today in a tough, close, exciting cup tie.
"While delighted to be in the semi-finals, we need to be more clinical. The boys should have scored several goals during the first half and the woodwork foiled us twice."
Cape Town coach Benni McCarthy, part of the 2004 UEFA Champions League-winning Porto squad managed by Jose Mourinho, said he was hurting but proud.
"No coach wants to lose at this stage of the competition, but I can only salute the efforts of my players. They did not lie down when two goals behind.
"Our only failing was finishing and if you do not take your chances against a team stacked with stars like Sundowns, defeat is inevitable."
On Saturday, Chiefs edged Baroka 1-0, Maritzburg defeated Bloemfontein Celtic 2-1 and Free State eliminated second-division outfit Ubuntu Cape Town 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.