PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – MARCH 28: Miguel De Azevedo Cardoso, Head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns during the Nedbank Cup, quarter final match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United at Lucas Moripe Stadium on March 28, 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images)
Mamelodi Sundowns secured a 1-0 victory against Sekhukhune United in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals on Friday evening, but many spectators were scratching their heads regarding a few of the refereeing decisions.
Ultimately, Bafana Bafana star Jayden Adams scored a dramatic, late, decisive goal in the 119th minute. While the win progressed the Brazilians to the semi-finals of the cup, the match raised questions around officiating—specifically why Sundowns made six substitutions instead of the usual five, and whether Peter Shalulile’s disallowed goal was offside.
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Six Substitutions
Former referee Victor Hlungwani clarified the confusion surrounding Sundowns’ use of six substitutes, explaining that it is permitted under FIFA’s laws during cup matches that go into extra time.
Speaking exclusively to Soccer Laduma, Hlungwane stated, “It’s true many people were confused when Sundowns used six substitutes instead of the normal five that we are used to. If it’s a cup competition and it goes to extra-time the law allows a team to use six substitutes. Even if you didn’t make any changes during the 90 minutes you can still use all the six substitutes in extra-time. There is nothing wrong with that. The law says you can make six substitutions in a cup competition that goes to extra-time and that’s what Sundowns did. It’s good to know that Soccer Laduma educates people and you can educate them about this as well,” Hlungwani told the Siya crew.
The Disallowed Shalulile Goal
Discussing Shalulile’s disallowed goal during added time, Hlungwani suggested that the Sundowns striker appeared to be onside.
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Semi-final Matchups Set
With the hard-fought victory, Sundowns will now host Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals. The other semi-final will see defending champions Orlando Pirates take on Marumo Gallants. Both matches are scheduled for the weekend of April 12-13 in the afternoons.
Fans eagerly await the upcoming fixtures, which promise to deliver high-stakes football as the four remaining sides compete for the coveted Nedbank Cup trophy.
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