Namibian international footballer Peter Shalulile underlined his status as the Nedbank Cup’s leading goal scorer by finding the net as Mamelodi Sundowns became the first team to secure a place in the last 16, edging Gomora United 2–1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Namibian marksman, who sits alone at the summit of the competition’s scoring chart, once again proved decisive on the big stage.
Shalulile has now scored 15 Nedbank Cup goals, pulling clear of former Golden Arrows talisman Siyabonga Nomvethe, who ranks second on the all-time list, while prolific striker Dino Ndlovu occupies third place among the tournament’s most reliable finishers.Goals from Shalulile and winger Thapelo Morena were enough to see the Betway Premiership champions through, though they were made to work hard by a fearless Gomora United side that refused to be overawed by top-flight opposition. As expected, Sundowns dominated possession from the outset, patiently probing against their second-tier visitors. Gomora, however, matched the champions’ intensity, pressing high and disrupting Sundowns’ rhythm with disciplined organisation and energetic challenges. The breakthrough arrived five minutes before the interval. Young winger Kutlwano Lethlaku whipped in a precise cross from the right, and Shalulile, restored to the starting line-up after a brief spell on the bench, rose above his marker to power a header into the net. It was his first goal of 2026 and another timely reminder of his pedigree in knockout football.
Just as Sundowns appeared set to head into the break with a comfortable advantage, Gomora struck back in stoppage time. Mpho Maoke reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the area and drilled a low left-footed effort into the bottom corner to silence the home crowd and level matters at 1–1. The equaliser sparked Sundowns into action after the restart.
The Tshwane giants increased the tempo, pinning Gomora deeper in their own half as they searched for a decisive goal. That moment came in the 61st minute. Aubrey Modiba delivered a teasing cross from the left flank, and Morena timed his run to perfection, rising at the near post to head home from close range and restore Sundowns’ lead.
-Additional reporting by Central News
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na