Adams’ Last-Minute Goal Sends Sundowns to Nedbank Cup Semi-Finals Against Chiefs
Jayden Adams secured a last-minute goal, sealing the win for Mamelodi Sundowns against a resilient Sekhukhune United in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals held at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Friday.
Sundowns will face Kaizer Chiefs in the semi-finals, with the PSL set to announce the specific dates and venues shortly.
The match was fiercely contested for Sundowns, culminating with Adams’ goal in the 119th minute after relentless pressure on Sekhukhune’s defense throughout the match. Based on their overall performance, Sundowns justly earned the victory, showcasing dominance from the very beginning.
This week has been particularly rewarding for Adams, who scored twice for Bafana Bafana during the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.
Both teams started the match with a high level of energy. In the 19th minute, Shaune Mogaila appeared to score for the visitors, but referee Skhumbuzo Gasa disallowed the goal for a foul on Lucas Suarez.
Sekhukhune continued to control much of the subsequent play, with Mogaila creating challenges for Sundowns on the right flank. In the 26th minute, Mogaila delivered a threatening cross, but it went off target.
Eric Tinkler’s side kept searching for the opening goal, with a free-kick from Keletso Makgalwa in the 36th minute that forced a brilliant save from Ronwen Williams.
Just ten minutes later, Grant Kekana nearly scored with a header, but Renaldo Leaner was there to make a fantastic save, denying Sundowns.
The second half commenced with both sides displaying renewed vigor. Makgalwa had another opportunity in the 53rd minute, but the Sundowns defense remained steadfast.
Shortly thereafter, Arthur Sales forced another remarkable save from Leaner.
In the 65th minute, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made tactical substitutions, bringing in Teboho Mokoena, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, and Peter Shalulile for Neo Maema, Matias Esquivel, and Iqraam Rayners.
In the 83rd minute, Sales squandered a great chance, shooting over the bar after a well-timed pass from Ribeiro. Leaner again denied Kekana in the 87th minute.
Although Sundowns could have secured the match within regular time, Leaner executed a crucial save from Ribeiro’s free-kick. Shalulile found the net shortly after, but the assistant referee called it offside.
During the first half of extra time, Sundowns generated several chances, but Leaner continued to thwart them with a series of saves.
Ultimately, in the second half of extra time, Adams broke the deadlock, sending Sundowns into the semi-finals against Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup.