Sunday, October 31, 2021

The 14-year drought came to a bitter end yesterday when Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club (FC) were coronated the 2021 MTN8 Cup victors under the Durban sky night in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Brazilians, as Sundowns are adoringly called, prevailed over Cape Town City FC at the impressive Moses Mabhida Stadium through penalties: 3-2.

The Citizens [City] forced a 1-1 draw later in regular time after Sundowns led for a relatively long period.

True to form, cup finals are nerve-wracking for teams but a thrill-a-minute affair for a legion of fans. The difference last night was that both sides were shy in front of goal and the game drugged. 

Egged on by their earlier herculean forage, the Cape Townians were even more resilient in extra-time despite finishing the game one-man down. In the end, the champions were declared after a spellbinding show of unbelievable poor penalty takes.

After a series of dreadful six penalties kicks apiece, Sundowns claimed the coveted one-winner take all trophy accompanied by R8 million in their second sudden-death spot-kick.

Renowned as the most formidable and successful club in recent history in South African, the MTN8 tournament eluded Sundowns for over a decade. No more.

Having started as firm favourites, Sundowns dominated the cup game until later in the second half when The Citizens turned ball possession their way and were rewarded with an equalizer for all their relentless efforts. 

Thapelo Morena scored the Sundowns goal and Fagrie Lakay converted for City.