Mamelodi Sundowns overcome Marumo Gallants to reach Carling Knockout quarter-finals

Mamelodi Sundowns returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants, securing their place in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals.

Siyanda Ndlovu scored the only goal of the match in the 20th minute, finishing his third goal in all competitions this season after being set up by Iqraam Rayners.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made several changes following his side’s surprise CAF Champions League exit, bringing goalkeeper Ricardo Goss, Mothobi Mvala, Fawaaz Basadien, Antonio van Wyk, Arthur Sales and Rayners into the starting XI.

Rayners immediately looked dangerous, using his pace to threaten the Gallants defence. He delivered a dangerous cross inside the opening 10 minutes, although none of his team-mates were able to turn it into a shot on target.

The former Stellenbosch player continued to cause problems and created the opening goal when he found Ndlovu, who applied the finish to put Sundowns ahead.

Cardoso’s team dominated the remainder of the first half, enjoying 70% possession against a Gallants side still searching for their first league win of the season after eight matches.

Sundowns responded to the prospect of another home upset by making two changes at half-time. Thabo Cele and Basadien were replaced by Aubrey Modiba and Marcelo Allende.

Marumo Gallants showed greater resolve after the interval, but Goss protected Sundowns’ lead with an important save shortly before the hour mark.

Nuno Santos came on in the 64th minute and went close to extending the advantage soon afterwards. He combined with Rayners around the edge of the 18-yard area before shooting narrowly wide of the post.

Sundowns were unable to add a second goal, but their missed chances did not prove costly as they held on to book a quarter-final place. Their attention now turns to Saturday’s Betway Premiership meeting with the same opposition.

Teams

Mamelodi Sundowns: 31. Goss, 27. Morena, 42. Khoza, 40. Mvala, 23. Basadien, 19. Cele, 21. Mkhulise, 10. Sales, 38. Ndlovu, 29. Van Wyk, 1. Rayners.

Substitutes: 1. Onyango, 3. Ndamane, 12. Leon, 32. Van Rooyen, 6. Modiba, 11. Allende, 17. Matthews, 10. Santos, 12. Saleng.

Marumo Gallants: 16. Mlambo, 22. Rikhotso, 20. Manku, 17. Motshoneng, 3. Ntiya-Ntiya, 19. Pheeha, 10. Ndlondlo, 27. Moremi, 13. Ncube, 38. Sihlali, 13. Kunene.

Substitutes: 30. Lako, 37. Ralenkoane, 24. Madiba, 12. Otladisa, 5. Manaka, 8. Luthuli, 40. Lukhele, 9. Moletshe, 29. Button.