MAMELODI SUNDOWNS vs KAIZER CHIEFS ‣ ALL GOALS & HIGHLIGHTS ‣ NEDBANK CUP 2024/25

In one of the most anticipated matchups of the 2024/25 Nedbank Cup, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs collided in a breathtaking quarterfinal clash that delivered on every level—goals, drama, controversy, and unforgettable moments that will be talked about for seasons to come.

With two of South Africa’s most iconic football giants facing off, the stakes were sky-high from the first whistle.

The stadium was electric, packed with thousands of passionate supporters in a sea of yellow and gold, and the tension was visible on the pitch before a single ball was kicked.

Mamelodi Sundowns, defending their dominance in local football, came into the match with confidence, boasting an unbeaten run in all competitions stretching back several months.

Kaizer Chiefs, desperate to revive their trophy ambitions and silence critics, were equally determined to prove a point.

What followed was a masterclass in football intensity.

The game exploded into life just seven minutes in.

Sundowns drew first blood with a sensational counterattack.

Themba Zwane, the heartbeat of the Sundowns midfield, threaded a perfectly timed ball through to Peter Shalulile, who calmly slotted past the Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune with a clinical finish into the bottom corner.

It was the kind of goal that defined Sundowns’ season: fast, calculated, and ruthless.

Chiefs, however, didn’t sit back.

Instead of crumbling under the early pressure, they responded with fire.

In the 21st minute, they equalized in spectacular fashion.

Ashley du Preez broke free on the wing, beat his marker with a burst of pace, and delivered a looping cross into the box.

Keagan Dolly was there to meet it, smashing a volley past Ronwen Williams to level the score at 1-1.

The stadium erupted as the match became a fierce battle of wits and will.

The pace of the game only intensified as both sides traded chances.

Sundowns’ Teboho Mokoena saw a long-range strike rattle the crossbar, while Chiefs’ Mduduzi Shabalala forced a diving save out of Williams with a curling shot that seemed destined for the top corner.

But just before halftime, it was Sundowns who regained the lead.

A controversial decision awarded them a free-kick on the edge of the box, which Neo Maema converted with precision and power, curling the ball beyond the wall and past a helpless Khune.

Chiefs’ players protested the decision, claiming there was no foul in the buildup, but the referee stood firm.

As the second half began, Chiefs came out with renewed urgency.

Their midfield, led by Yusuf Maart and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, started to control possession, forcing Sundowns to sit deeper.

The pressure eventually paid off in the 64th minute, when Chiefs were awarded a penalty after a handball in the box.

Keagan Dolly stepped up again, sending Williams the wrong way to make it 2-2 and complete his brace.

The match entered its most chaotic and thrilling phase.

End-to-end action, crunching tackles, and tactical substitutions set the tone for a dramatic finish.

In the 78th minute, Sundowns showed why they’re so dangerous in transition.

After absorbing a period of Chiefs dominance, they broke forward with lightning speed.

Zwane once again was at the center of it, releasing Marcelo Allende, who unleashed a thunderous shot from 25 yards that rifled into the top corner.

The goal was met with awe—and a moment of silence—before the Sundowns section of the crowd roared in delight.

Chiefs threw everything forward in the final 10 minutes, desperate to find another equalizer.

Christian Saile came close with a header that shaved the post, and Dolly nearly grabbed a hat trick with a low shot that was blocked heroically by Mothobi Mvala.

But Sundowns held firm, absorbing wave after wave of pressure.

In stoppage time, with Chiefs committing bodies forward, Sundowns sealed the result with a fourth goal on the break.

Substitute Cassius Mailula sprinted past a tired Chiefs defense and calmly finished a one-on-one to make it 4-2.

That final goal confirmed the victory and ended Chiefs’ dreams of lifting the Nedbank Cup this season.

As the final whistle blew, Sundowns celebrated a hard-fought, well-earned win, while Chiefs were left to reflect on what might have been.

Though they showed resilience and moments of brilliance, they simply couldn’t match Sundowns’ precision in front of goal and ability to punish every mistake.

The match was a showcase of South African football at its best: passionate fans, elite-level performances, and a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish.

While Sundowns move on to the semifinals with momentum and belief, Kaizer Chiefs once again face tough questions about their ability to perform when it matters most.

Despite the loss, Chiefs’ coach praised his team’s fighting spirit.

“We played with heart.We pushed them to the limit.

But football is about fine margins,” he said.“We learn, we grow, and we move forward.

On the other hand, Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena was full of praise for his players.

“This was a big match.

Chiefs gave us a real test, but our quality showed when it counted.We’re not done yet.

As the Nedbank Cup continues, Sundowns have now emerged as clear favorites to take the trophy, while Kaizer Chiefs will need to regroup and focus on their league campaign.

One thing is certain—fans will be talking about this epic clash for a long time.

A true football spectacle, with six goals, endless drama, and two titans of South African soccer giving everything for glory.