Mamelodi Sundowns wasted a host of opportunities but emerged 1-0 winners over National First Division side Cape Town All Stars in their Nedbank Cup Last 32 clash at a wet Athlone Stadium on Friday night.
Percy Tau scored the only goal of the game in the second half as The Brazilians claimed q deserved victory, but coach Pitso Mosimane -- watching from the stands as he serves a suspension -- will be annoyed at the chances they wasted.
All Stars had their moments, particularly in the first half, but ran out of steam in the latter stages as Sundowns finished the stronger.
The home side should have been ahead when Lucky Setelele, formerly on the books of Sundowns as a junior, put his shot from six-yards wide with the goal gaping.
All Stars had another chance to take the lead when playmaker Ntshuxeko Ndlovu robbed Wayne Arendse of the ball, but with just keeper Razak Brimah to beat, put his shot wide. After that all the best chances fell to the visitors, and the deadline was finally broken on 60 minutes when Uruguayan substitute Gustavo Sirino, who made an huge impression off the bench, fed Tau to score the opener from close range.
Tau should have added a second when he was put into space by Thokozani Sekotlong, but with just Ludwe Mpakumpaku to beat in the All Stars goal, he blasted the ball high and wide.
Sirino then had a superb chance to score his first goal for the Pretoria club after being sent free on goal, but he also could not hit the target.