Former Uganda Cranes captain and goalkeeper Denis Onyango was sent off in Mamelodi Sundowns’ 1-0 victory over Polokwane City in the MTN 8 quarterfinals at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
Onyango’s red card came in the 83rd minute for handling the ball outside the 18-yard box, and goalless, it finished in normal time.
Despite the sending off of the 39-year-old, Masandawana were able to score in the first half of extra time through Thabang Matuludi’s own goal in the 102nd minute.
The 2016 African Player of the Year based in Africa will, therefore, miss the semifinal against Stellenbosch FC.
It was Manqoba Mnqithi’s first game in charge of the Brazilians since his return to replace Rhulani Mokwena, who is now managing Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca.
En route to the semifinals, Stellenbosch defeated 10-man side TS Galaxy 3-1 in the other quarterfinal game that was played on Sunday.
Orlando Pirates eliminated SuperSport United by the same scoreline whilst Cape Town City edged Sekhukhune United 1-0 in the quarterfinals played on Saturday.
Pirates will battle Cape Town in the semifinals. Unlike the quarterfinals, the semifinals will be played on home and away basis.
Sundowns have won the MTN 8 four times but last clinched it in 2021.
They lost last year’s final to the record holders Pirates who have won it 12 times and are aiming to win it three times in a row.
