Mamelodi Sundowns have clinched their first Carling Black Label Cup title with a 4-0 thrashing of ten-man Orlando Pirates.
Fresh faces from Pirates saw Bienvenu Eva Nga up top with Deon Hotto, Vincent Pule, while Sundowns started Sipho Mbule and Teboho Mokoena in midfield following their semi-final win over AmaZulu.
An early change from Masandawana 15 minutes in saw Surprise Ralani, who scored in the semi-final, stretchered off after a hamstring pull and Lesedi Kapinga was thrown on in a rare outing for the midfielder.
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The Buccaneers were thrown in disarray too just before the half-hour mark when Tapelo Xoki got his marching orders for a dangerous lunging tackle on Haashim Domingo.
It proved costly after a long defence-splitting pass saw Sphelele Mkhulise beat the high-line and slotted in off the one-hand of goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane.
Sundowns secured a second after a one-touch move on the edge of the area picked up Grant Kekana and the versatile defender tapped in easily.
The Brazilians bagged a third goal a minute later when poor possession play around the danger area saw Cassius Mailula arrive in the area and convert the cutback.
A pretty lukewarm opening to the second half from the two sides followed, with chances albeit reduced to a premium amidst the string of substitutions at both ends.
Masandawana regained dominance midway in the second period and secured the fourth goal when Mailula dropped a shoulder to find the bottom the bottom corner with a composed finish.
The Brazilians made two substitutions late on, as Kekana was sacrificed for young Ntando Nkosi before Andile Jali came in for Mbule.
With full-time in sight, Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa forced Denis Onyango to an outstretched save, which proved to be the final chance as Sundowns ran out convincing winners.
Confirmed line-ups:Mamelodi Sundowns: D.Onyango, Morena, Modiba, Mvala, Kekana, Mbule, Mokoena, Maboe, Mkhulise, Ralani, Domingo
Orlando Pirates: Mpontshane, Makhubela, Xoki, Mthethwa, Mako, Pule, Motshwari, Timm, Hotto, Dlamini, Eva Nga
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