Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi had high praise for veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango following a dramatic MTN8 quarterfinal victory over Polokwane City at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
The tense match saw Denis Onyango being sent off late in the second half after a risky but crucial decision to handle the ball outside the box.
With City striker Hlayisi Chauke one-on-one with the keeper after beating Sundowns’ high line offside trap, Onyango rushed off his line to close down the danger.
Chauke attempted to chip the former Ugandan international, but Onyango used his hands to block the shot outside the penalty area, earning him a red card from match official Eugene Mdluli.
Onyango’s decision, though controversial, proved pivotal as wasteful Sundowns team managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory.
The match’s only goal came in extra time, courtesy of an own goal by Polokwane City’s Thabang Matuludi in the 101st minute.
This win ensured Sundowns’ place in the semi-finals, where they will face Stellenbosch FC.
After the match, Mngqithi reflected on the team’s performance and expressed his gratitude for Onyango’s decisive intervention.
“I think we made it difficult for ourselves,” Mngqithi said in his post-match interview on SuperSport TV.
“I think we had a very good first half where we created probably seven or eight chances. And when you are not taking those chances, you can be scared because when you don’t take your chances in a cup match, the opponent can only get one and punish you.”
Mngqithi continued by acknowledging Onyango’s sacrifice for the team.
“Denis (Onyango) had to take one for the team, and we had now to restructure and make our lives even more difficult,” he explained.
“But I’m happy that at the end we won the match because I believe we deserved to win.”
Looking ahead, Sundowns will host Stellenbosch in the first leg of their semi-final clash with the return likely to be in Cape Town.
While Orlando Pirates will travel to Cape Town for the first leg to take on Cape Town City FC in the other semi-final.
The Premier Soccer League is yet to announce the dates and venues for these highly anticipated matches.
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