Sundowns beat Golden Arrows to reach Carling Knockout semi-finals

Mamelodi Sundowns secured a place in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals with a 1-0 victory over Lamontville Golden Arrows at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday night.

Iqraam Rayners scored the decisive goal in the 69th minute, heading past Arrows goalkeeper Dumisani Msibi after Antonio Van Wyk had cut in from the left and shot towards goal with his right foot.

The result ended a difficult evening for Arrows, who were attempting to make an impression under new coach Mandla Ncikazi. He left Orlando Pirates last week, where he had been assistant to Abdeslam Ouaddou, to take charge of the Kwazulu-Natal side.

Arrows made the match challenging for the reigning African champions, who were forced to work patiently for an opening against a disciplined and hard-working defence.

Sundowns were playing their quarter-final during the week because they face USM Alger in the Caf Super Cup at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday at 3pm. The other three quarter-finals will take place at the weekend.

With that fixture in mind, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso rested several key players. The Portuguese manager also gave opportunities to members of his squad who have made important contributions while filling in during the club’s demanding schedule.

Ricardo Goss started in goal, while Malibongwe Khoza, Mothobi Mvala, Antonio Van Wyk, Bathusi Aubaas, Sphelele Mkhulise and Arthur Sales were also included among the players selected to begin the match.

That ‘back-up’ line-up struggled to find a way through Arrows before Van Wyk’s effort created the opening. His shot from outside the penalty area took a decisive touch from Rayners, whose header carried the ball beyond Msibi.

The victory moves Sundowns into the last four of the Carling Knockout Cup and keeps them in contention for another trophy in a season that has already brought success in the MTN8 and African-Asian-Pacific Cup.

Sunday’s meeting with USM Alger offers Sundowns the chance to claim a third trophy of the season.