Miguel Cardoso bemoans defensive frailties as Sundowns need extra-time to see off Polokwane in MTN8

Sundowns fell behind as early as the seventh minute when Bonginkosi Dlamini fired home after a well-taken free kick.

The African champions responded through Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who found the equaliser after 22 minutes with a neat finish.

Sundowns continued to boss proceedings and went 2-1 ahead just after the half hour mark as Antonio Van Wyk capitalised on a defensive error before beating Polokwane goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula.

Rise and Shine though never gave up the fight and showed why they are a tough nut to crack and made it 2-2 after 66 minutes when Tidimalo Molokwane found the back of the net from yet another set-piece.

Cassius Mailula was introduced midway through the second half and his moment of glory came in extra-time when he was teed up by Themba Zwane before netting the winner.

Reflecting on the performance, Cardoso admitted that they let themselves down with a number of soft goals.

He said on IOL: "Look, today we were saying that last season we suffered three goals from set pieces. Today we suffered two. That is the story of the game.

"The man-to-man marking that Polokwane City put on the pitch was obviously very physical, very demanding," Cardoso added.

"I think we reacted very well to the goal that we suffered. We made a beautiful first half, trying to escape from that man-to-man marking, finding the spaces to penetrate.

"I think we had chances even to score more. Obviously, suffering another goal from set pieces brings a lot of energy to the opponent and then it's a matter of pursuit. We are still not at our best physically, it's clear. Our pre-season was quite tough."

Wiith Mailula netting the winning goal, the Brazilians join Orlando Pirates in the last-four after the Buccaneers overcame Durban City 2-1.

"Beautiful answer from the players, beautiful answer. A lot of intention, a lot of commitment," continued the Sundowns coach. "And happy for the result, obviously."