Sundowns edge past Gallants to reach Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals

Mamelodi Sundowns secured a place in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at Loftus on Tuesday, but their response to last week’s Champions League exit was far from convincing.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso had called for a strong reaction after his side were eliminated from the Champions League preliminary stage by Angolan club Wiliete SC. Instead, the reigning champions were made to work hard for a result against Gallants in the last 16.

Cardoso made several changes to his starting line-up, handing rare starts to Ricardo Goss, Mothobi Mvala, Thabo Cele, Sphelele Mkhulise, Siyanda Ndlovu and Antonio van Wyk.

The Sundowns substitutes included goalkeeper Denis Onyango, Deano van Rooyen and Monnapule Saleng, all of whom have had little or no playing time this season.

The Portuguese coach is also managing his squad with one eye on the CAF Super Cup against Algerian side USM Alger at Loftus early next month, with several regulars rested for Tuesday’s cup tie.

By contrast, Gallants coach Ronnie Kanalelo selected a familiar line-up, including Kagiso Mlambo, Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya, Phillip Ndlondlo, Samkele Sihlali and Msindisi Kunene.

Sundowns took the lead in the 20th minute through Ndlovu, who finished a well-worked attack with an outstanding strike from an acute angle.

Iqraam Rayners released Ndlovu into space, and the forward sent the ball beyond Gallants goalkeeper Mlambo with a finish that appeared almost impossible from his position.

Gallants showed greater attacking intent after the interval and came close to drawing level in the 56th minute. Saketso Moremi’s effort, however, was kept out by Goss.

Cardoso introduced Saleng late in the match, replacing Van Wyk. The attacker, who has been out of favour this season, received a loud reception from the Sundowns supporters when he came on.

The result completes Sundowns’ progress to the quarter-finals, although their performance lacked the authority Cardoso had demanded following their continental disappointment.

Sundowns return to action on Saturday against Durban City at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. They will be seeking to maintain their position at the top of the Betway Premiership.

Gallants remain focused on escaping the bottom of the standings. They host Siwelele FC in Rustenburg on Friday night as they continue that campaign.