Mamelodi Sundowns edge Golden Arrows to reach Carling Knockout semi-finals

Mamelodi Sundowns became the first team to reach the 2026 Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals after a narrow 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday evening.

The quarter-final was moved forward by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) because Sundowns are due to face USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup final on Sunday.

Head coach Miguel Cardoso made several changes to his starting line-up as he looked to keep his squad fresh for the continental final. Mothobi Mvala, Sphelele Mkhulise, Antonio van Wyk and Arthur Sales were among those brought into the team.

Despite the heavily rotated side, Sundowns controlled much of the contest, although Golden Arrows made the defending champions work for their place in the last four.

Arrows, playing their first match under new head coach Mandla Ncikazi, showed enough to ensure the tie remained in the balance. The match could have gone either way before Sundowns finally found the breakthrough with 20 minutes remaining.

Bafana Bafana striker Iqraam Rayners settled the contest in the 68th minute. He guided Van Wyk’s powerful effort past Golden Arrows goalkeeper Dumsani Msibi to give Sundowns the lead.

The goal brought relief to the home supporters and Sundowns’ bench, which had appeared increasingly concerned that the match might go to extra time.

Sundowns will now wait to discover their semi-final opponents, with the remaining three quarter-final ties scheduled to take place this weekend.

Orlando Pirates will face Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on 7 November, while Kaizer Chiefs meet Siwelele at Peter Mokaba Stadium on 8 November.

The final quarter-final will also be played on 8 November, with Stellenbosch taking on AmaZulu at Danie Craven Stadium.