Miguel Cardoso opted to rotate his squad for the cup clash, handing goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse a rare start - his first for the club in more than two years - while veteran midfielder Themba Zwane returned to the lineup. Young defender Malibongwe Khoza also featured in central defence alongside Grant Kekana, with Peter Shalulile leading the attack.

Despite dominating possession early on, Sundowns struggled to turn their control into clear scoring opportunities. Their best early chance arrived midway through the first half when Kutlwano Letlhaku cut inside and unleashed a powerful effort that rattled the upright. The hosts continued to press, with Gomora goalkeeper Sidingo Nxumalo forced into a series of sharp saves to keep the visitors level.

After persistent attacking pressure, Sundowns eventually found the breakthrough in the 41st minute. Letlhaku provided the decisive delivery into the area, where Shalulile timed his run perfectly and finished clinically to hand the hosts the lead.

However, Gomora responded immediately before the halftime whistle. Mpho Maoke capitalised on a defensive error by Khoza, stealing possession before calmly slotting past Pieterse to send the sides into the interval locked at 1-1.

Cardoso introduced Thapelo Morena and Arthur Sales at the start of the second half, and the changes quickly paid dividends. Sundowns regained control in the 61st minute when Morena rose highest at the back post to head home Jayden Adams' well-weighted cross, restoring the hosts' advantage.

Shalulile nearly extended Sundowns' lead moments later with a glancing header that drifted narrowly wide, while the Brazilians created several additional chances but lacked the finishing touch to put the contest beyond doubt.

Gomora, refusing to fade, pushed forward in search of another equaliser during the closing stages, but Sundowns remained resolute defensively to secure progression to the next round.

The Pretoria giants will now await the Round of 16 draw as they continue their pursuit of a first domestic cup triumph since the 2021/22 season. Attention quickly shifts to continental duties, with Sundowns set to travel to DR Congo for a CAF Champions League encounter against FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo on Sunday.

Zungu: Champions League football is why I returned to Downs