PIC: Peter Shalulile celebrates his opening goal against Richards Bay

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns and the team they beat in the 2022 Nedbank Cup final, Marumo Gallants, both won through to the Last 16 of this year’s competition on Tuesday.
Sundowns edged Richards Bay 3-2 in a five-goal thriller, while Gallants eased past second-tier Magesi FC with a 3-1 win on a night of goals in South Africa’s premier knockout competition.
Peter Shalulile scored a brace for Sundowns and in doing so moved to 11 goals in his Nedbank Cup career, level with the all-time leading scorer in the competition Hlompho Kekana.

It was another big statement by Sundowns as Shalulile opened the scoring when his own persistence on the edge of the box saw the ball fall kindly for him and he clipped his shot over Richards Bay goalkeeper Salim Magoola.

Sipho Mbule struck the woodwork with a free-kick that came back off the post, before Richards Bay drew level.
They were awarded a penalty when Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango was adjudged to have fouled Sakhile Hlongwa in the box, though the attacker was certainly looking for the contact.

Referee Jelly Chavani pointed to the spot and Nkanyiso Zungu scored his first goal for the KwaZulu-Natal club.

Sundowns were back in front a minute into the second period when Mbule's corner was guided into the net with his head by defender Mosa Lebusa, before Shalulile fired in a second as he drilled the ball into the bottom corner of the net with a low drive from the edge of the box.
There was still time for some late drama when Lesotho international Katleho Makateng grabbed what proved to be a late consolation for the Natal Rich Boys, who lose to Sundowns at the Last 32 stage for the second year in a row.
It was a little more straightforward for Gallants, who were 3-0 up in their tie before halftime.
Letsie Koapeng netted a penalty before newly-arrived striker Judas Moseamedi added a second. Midfielder Tebogo Thangwane scored just the second goal of his career to make it 3-0.

Magesi came back into the game when Kagiso Selemela netted just before the hour-mark, but there was no way back as Gallants recorded back-to-back wins following the return to the club of 2021 Nedbank Cup-winning coach Dylan Kerr.
The action continues on Wednesday when two of the amateur sides in the competition will be in action. Dondol Stars travel to three-time Nedbank Cup winners SuperSport United, while fourth-tier Liver Brothers go to topflight Sekhukhune United. Both matches kick-off at 19h30.

2023 NEDBANK CUP LAST 32 FIXTURES/RESULTS

February 7, 2023
Mamelodi Sundowns 3 (Shalulile 11’, 55’, Lebusa 46’) Richards Bay 2 (Zungu 30’pen, Makateng 90’)

Marumo Gallants 3 (Koapeng 27’pen, Moseamedi 45’, Thangwane 45’) Magesi FC 1 (Selemela 59’)

February 8, 2023
19h30: SuperSport United vs Dondol Stars – Lucas Moripe Stadium
19h30: Sekhukhune United vs Liver Brothers – Peter Mokaba Stadium

February 10, 2023
15h00: Cape Town Spurs vs Baroka FC – Athlone Stadium

19h30: Maritzburg United vs Kaizer Chiefs – Harry Gwala Stadium

February 11, 2023
15h00: FC Blackcross vs Venda Football Academy – Dr Molemela Stadium

15h00: Lamontville Golden Arrows vs Pretoria Callies – Princess Magogo Stadium 
15h00: Mpheni Home Defenders vs Clarewood JPM – Thohoyandou Stadium
15h00: Stellenbosch FC vs Swallows FC – Athlone Stadium
20h00: All Stars vs Orlando Pirates – Wits Football Stadium

February 12, 2023
15h00: AmaZulu vs Tornado FC – King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium

15h00: Mkhambathi FC vs Casric Stars – Harry Gwala Stadium

15h00: TS Galaxy vs Amavarara – Wits Football Stadium

18h00: Cape Town City vs Royal AM – Cape Town Stadium

February 14, 2023

19h30: Polokwane City vs Chippa United – Old Peter Mokaba Stadium  

TOURNAMENT STATS

Matches Played: 2

Goals Scored: 9

Biggest Victory: Marumo Gallants 3 Magesi FC 1 (February 7, Last 32)

Most Goals in a Game: 5 – Mamelodi Sundowns 3 Richards Bay 2 (February 7, Last 32)

GOALSCORERS

2 goals – Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns)

1 – Letsie Koapeng (Marumo Gallants), Mosa Lebusa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Katleho Makateng (Richards Bay), Judas Moseamedi (Marumo Gallants), Kagiso Selemela (Magesi FC), Tebogo Thangwane (Marumo Gallants), Nkanyiso Zungu (Richards Bay)