Downs downed again

Mamelodi Sundowns' silverware drought since 2008 is still not over.

They were beaten 2-1 by Platinum Stars in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals in Pretoria yesterday . The loss also means the Brazilians' hopes of playing in the Confederations Cup are dashed.

Progress in the Nedbank Cup would have kept alive Downs' dreams of playing in a continental competition next season, as the winners of the Nedbank Cup also receive a spot in the Confederations Cup.

Robert Ngambi scored the winner in the 88th minute .

The match had looked like money in the bank for the Brazilians when captain Teko Modise netted in the 62nd minute - especially as Dikwena were underdogs ahead of this match. However, Stars fought back and found the equaliser, arguably through one of the best players of the season - Thuso Phala - in the 71st minute.

While the season could get worse for Sundowns - they are now out of the cup and 11th on the Absa Premiership table - Stars are having their best campaign yet.

Dikwena could win the double this season with passage to the semifinals, as they are still vaguely in the running in the league - seven points behind PSL log leaders Kaizer Chiefs.

History could be in the making for the lowly club from Phokeng.

"My players are just phenomenal this season. We have leaders and no player is average in this team.

"We are not really in this to win it, but to play football and that is important.

"But I would love to win the Nedbank Cup.

"It's the perfect cup for our club because of the colours," said Stars coach Cavin Johnson, who once again showed his tactical ability.

Downs coach Pitso Mosimane blasted his defenders for losing focus at the end.

Goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands seemed to work overtime and made numerous saves to keep Downs in the game before Ngambi eventually stabbed home the winner.

"We lost to a good team, but they did not threaten us too much.

"My defenders were ball-watching and could not defend our set-pieces," said Mosimane.

"Platinum Stars are second on the log and it maybe showed today."

Even the changes Mosimane made in the second half - including introducing Richard Henyekane for Elias Pelembe - only worked out for a while. Sundowns soon faded, while at the other end, striker Henrico Botes, Phala and company piled on the pressure.

In the other quarterfinal played yesterday, United FC eliminated fellow First Division contenders African Warriors 3-2 at Moruleng Stadium, outside Rustenburg, reports Sapa.

Stars now join defending champions SuperSport United, Chiefs and United FC in the semifinal draw in Johannesburg today.