In the end, because of their experience and quality, Mamelodi Sundowns prevailed 5-2 in this exciting Nedbank Cup last-32 tie, but it was an evening shift with its own minor complications.
Sundowns went to the break with a convincing 3-0 lead but Sibanye Golden Stars somehow found strength in the second half with two quick goals to reduce the deficit to 3-2 by the hour-mark.
This nerve-jangling situation left Brazilians coach Miguel Cardoso, his players and the supporters in a panic as the biggest shock of the tournament was on but their experience told.
A goal by teenage defender Malibongwe Khoza and a brace by Tashreeq Matthews gave Sundowns a commanding lead, but Golden Stars returned determined as Mojalefa Mokhatla and Boeletsang Rankali brought them back in the game.
Sundowns secured this match with goals from Arthur Sales and Kobamelo Kodisang at the death as they booked their place in the last-16.
Playing against the ABC Motsepe League minnows, Cardoso made 10 players to the team that narrowly beat Magesi 2-1 in their Betway Premiership match during the week.
Khoza retained his place in the starting line-up as Cardoso handed a debut to Kegan Johannes and rare starts to Zuko Mdunyelwa, Terrence Mashego, Kutlwano Lethlaku, Neo Maema and Arthur Sales.
Ronwen Williams returned to the starting line-up for the first time in the league since he was red-carded against AmaZulu last month, with Grant Kekana, Marcelo Allende, Sphelele Mkhulise and Peter Shalulile on the bench. Cardoso had space for Jayden Adams, who recently joined from Stellenbosch, and he made his debut for the club when he replaced Neo Maema after 72 minutes.
Sundowns controlled the match but Golden Stars were not outplayed, with players like Moiloa Molete marshalling the defence, and Ntokozo Makhetha and Mohau Tetsa impressing in the midfield.
On the attack, Golden Stars coach Motsitse Molalogi put his trust in Mafanyane Mokitimi and Mokhatla, and they gave good accounts of themselves.
At the break, Sundowns were in control and Cardoso returned with Thapelo Maseko, Kobamelo Kodisang and Mkhulise, replacing Matthews, Khoza and Lethlaku — and that disturbed their momentum.
Sundowns took the lead inside two minutes when Khoza connected with a well-taken corner kick from Matthews to beat the stranded Golden Stars goalkeeper Velile Xankase. The Brazilians increased their lead after 15 minutes when Matthews got in the end of a pass from Lethlaku to beat Xankase as they started to expose the limitations of their visitors.
Five minutes before the break, Matthews registered his brace but his goal was shortly followed by a scare when Makhetha collapsed while standing alone — but he was able to continue with the match after receiving medical attention.
Golden Stars pulled one back after 54 minutes when Mokhatla capitalised on a defensive mistake by Mashego before putting the ball past the outstretched arms of Williams.
They, however, soon got their second goal when Mokhatla left Mosa Lebusa for dead on the hour mark before he laid the ball in the path of Rankali to beat Williams as they got back in the game.
But Sales and Kodisang ended this seven-goal thriller as the Brazilians secured a place in the next round.
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