It was a significant moment for Mailula on his return to Masandawana having spent time away from the club when he moved to MLS outfit Toronto FC in 2023.

The 25-year-old had further loan spells at Wydad Athletic Club in Morocco and KV Kortrijk in Belgium but the overseas stint did not work out as planned and he eventually came back home.

It was not the best start to the contest for Sundowns as they fell behind as early as the seventh minute when Bonginkosi Dlamini fired home after a set-piece.

The current African champions responded though and Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena found the equaliser after 22 minutes, controlling the ball expertly before 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.

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.

Sundowns join Orlando Pirates in the last-four of the MTN8 with a further two matches taking place on Sunday as Amazulu take on Sekhukhune United and Kaizer Chiefs meeting Golden Arrows.

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