Sundowns fell on penalties for the second time this season after losing to Orlando Pirates in a shootout in the MTN8 semifinals at the same venue. Gallants remain unbeaten against Sundowns this season after beating the club for the first time, having drawn 1-1 in their Premier Soccer League encounter on 17 September.

Tashreeq Matthews started well for Sundowns, squaring himself and shooting from just beyond the area in the 11th minute, but he could not find the target.

Aubrey Modiba’s cross at the byline in the 17th minute caused chaos in the Gallants box. The ball eventually fell for Nuno Santos, whose shot was blocked by a wall of Galants defenders.

Matthews cut onto his right foot at the edge of the area in the 24th minute, but his effort sailed wide.

‘Power but not the direction’

Mpho Chabatsane took a crack at goal from distance in the 32nd minute. His shot had the power but not the direction and did not trouble Ronwen Williams in goal.

Substitute Teboho Mokoena nearly put the hosts ahead in the 81st minute, hitting the crossbar from Allende’s corner, bouncing the ball too hard off the deck, and hitting the woodwork.

The “Brazilians” were reduced to ten men in the 85th minute as debutant Miguel Reisinho received a straight red card for his challenge on Siyabonga Nhlapo.

With neither side able to break the deadlock, the game went to extra time, and with no player able to produce a winner, proceedings moved to a penalty shootout to decide the winner.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg