Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Richards Bay 3-2 to secure their spot in the Nedbank Cup last 16 on Tuesday night.
Sphelele Mkhulise, Mothobi Mvala and Peter Shalulile were the only players to maintain their starting berths from the win at Orlando Pirates, while Richards Bay were without Siyanda Msani who is unable to play against his parent club.
It took ten minutes for Shalulile to make an impact when he bustled his way out of a tackle in the area to head goal-side and dinked over goalkeeper Salim Magoola.
Masandawana pushed for a second goal a few minutes later, as Sipho Mbule's pin-point free-kick just outside the six-yard area clattered off the crossbar.
The Natal Rich Boys levelled on the stroke of halftime after Nkanyiso Zungu rifled in from the penalty spot after Sakhile Hlongwa was brought down by goalkeeper Denis Onyango.
Sundowns looked to restore their lead in the remaining five minutes of the half with a low shot by Shalulile, but Magoola produced a point-blank save as the sides went into the break level pegging.
Though, the host did restore their lead two minutes after halftime when Mosa Lebusa met a pin-point corner by Mbule and planted a telling header beyond Magoola.
Masandawana snatched a third goal ten minutes later after Shalulile collected Lesedi Kapinga's pass and cut inside before finding the near corner from outside the area.
Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena opted to ring the changes, as Rushine De Reuck came on for Mkhulise while Thabiso Kutumela and Andile Jali replaced Mvala and Shalulile.
Richards Bay remained stretched on all fronts around the last ten minutes and almost conceded a fourth from Kutumela's teasing shot, but Khetha Shabalala cleared off the line.
The Brazilians welcomed back Rivaldo Coetzee from a lengthy absence on the side-lines, as he came on for Kapinga in the closing eight minutes of play.
The Natal Rich Boyz set up a nervy finish when a rasping shot from outside the area by Katleho Makateng sneaked through the gloves of Onyango.
However, there was no comeback and the reigning champions managed to see out the win and a last 16 ticket too.
Confirmed line-ups:
Mamelodi Sundowns: D.Onyango, Morena, Ngobeni, Mvala, Lebusa, Mbule, Kapinga, Mkhulise, Shalulile, Ralani
Subs: Pieterse, De Reuck, Jali, Kutumela, Maema, Coetzee, Modiba, Mokoena, Mailula
Richards Bay FC: Magoola, Maphathe, Mabua, Shabalala, Nyauza, Mtolo, Barns, Zungu, Hlongwa, Mthembu, Ntsundwana.
Subs: Jacobs, Memela, Mabaso, Mbuthuma, Makateng, Majadibodu, Mhlongo, Mabuya
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