MTN8 Final: Five takeaways from Mamelodi Sundowns victory over Orlando Pirates

Ka Bo Yellow put on a confident display to secure their fourth top eight trophy in the PSL era with a 2-0 win over defending cup champions AmaBhakaniya.

The victory marked Miguel Cardoso's first domestic knockout cup win since taking over from Manqoba Mngqithi at Sundowns and we look at the five key takeaways from the showdown at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Experience won

Mamelodi Sundowns dominated the first half, forcing multiple big saves from Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine following their early goal from Bafana Bafana talisman Teboho Mokoena.

Notably, all of Sundowns players besides Siyanda Ndlovu had previously featured and won a cup final with the team, while six Orlando Pirates stars were featuring in their first final for the senior squad.

Bucs missed the presence of the experienced Makhehleni Makhaula and Sihle Nduli in the midfield which was largely dominated by Masandawana.

Goalkeeping masterclass

Sundowns' Ronwen Williams and Pirates Sipho Chaine pulled of numerous crucial saves in the encounter in Durban, with Chaine tested mostly in the first half while Williams was kept busy in the second half.

Bafana Bafana's number one shot-stopper Williams went on to save a crucial penalty from Gamphani Lungu to maintain a 1-0 lead, allowing his side to secure an impressive title win.

Both playes proved why they are regarded as South Africa's finest current goalkeepers.

Dubious penalties awarded

The two teams were both handed penalties in the second half, with Gamphani Lungu seeing his shot saved by Williams while Iqraam Rayners sealed Sundowns title win with an injury time spot-kick.

Both penalties seemed contentious with Mokoena adjudged to have shoved Yanela Mbuthuma off the ball for Bucs penalty, with Sundowns penalty being conceded after Siyanda Ndlovu cluttered over Thapelo Mokobodi.

Exclusion of Oswin Appollis

The biggest surprise prior to the match was Bafana Bafana winger Oswin Appollis being excluded from the starting line-up despite his reputation as a matchwinner for Pirates.

The Soweto giants struggled to create openings in the first half or threaten Ronwen Williams goal but started to see chances open up after the introduction of Appollis.

Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will rue the starting line-up change, as it put his side on the backfoot from the start due to the inexperience of the attackers.

Sundowns prove to have stronger depth

Masandawana's substitute bench was packed with proven experienced players with the likes of Divine Lunga, Thabo Cele, Siyanda Ndlovu, Iqraam Rayners and Mothobi Mvala making appearances in the second half.

Meanwhile AmaBhakaniya were left thin after the early injury to Kamogelo Sebelebele that forced coach Ouaddou to put Lungu at right-back while having to use youngster's Simphiwe Masilela, Kabelo Kgositsile from as subs, with Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha both making comebacks from injuries.

If Pirates had more depth, they would not have had to utilize players who possibly lacked match fitness following their respective lengthy spells on the sidelines.