• Downs defeated Stellies 2-1 in Nedbank Cup semis
• Shalulile missed a penalty
• Masandawana to play Bucs

WHAT HAPPENED?

With Mamelodi Sundowns leading 2-0 in the Nedbank Cup semi-final against Stellenbosch, Peter Shalulile had a massive chance to make it 3-0 from the penalty spot in the 80th minute.

However, his strike went over the bar with Oscarine Masuluke well beaten; a minute later, Genino Palace scored in favour of Stellies to set up a tense finale but Downs held on to advance.

Masandawana coach is happy that Shalulile, who has scored just three goals this year across all competitions, stepped up to take the spot kick despite failing to hit the target.

WHAT MOKWENA SAID

"I think we got the tactics right, the game became a bit complicated after we missed the penalty," the 37-year-old said in a presser.

"It’s bitter-sweet, I look at it and say to myself I want us to score the penalty and I’m very proud of Peter, with a very difficult run still putting up his hand saying he wants to take it.

"I am very proud of him showing that mentality but I’m more proud of this football team and group of players. When I say to you they are good human beings this is exactly what I mean. They sacrifice the penalty and say let’s give it to Peter."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Sundowns will now play Orlando Pirates in the final to be played at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on June 1.

It will be the fourth time the two teams will be playing each other across all competitions in the almost-ending campaign.

Pirates beat Downs in the MTN8 finals, however, in the Premier Soccer League, Masandawana took four points from the Soweto giants.

WHAT NEXT?

Coach Mokwena is now hoping to beat Pitso Mosimane's eight-year record of 71 points in the South African top-tier.

With six games to end their PSL campaign, Downs have managed to collect 62 points and can even hit 80 points if they win all their games.