Mothobi Mvala helps Sundowns shut out Junior Dion in Carling Knockout win

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala played a key role in keeping Golden Arrows striker Junior Dion scoreless as Sundowns secured a 1-0 victory and reached the Carling Knockout semi-finals.

Iqraam Rayners scored the decisive goal with a second-half header, but Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso was particularly pleased with the way his defence dealt with Dion.

The Ivorian had scored five goals in five previous matches against Sundowns while playing for Golden Arrows, according to Transfermarkt. However, he was unable to make an impact in Tuesday’s encounter, with Mvala helping to restrict him throughout the game.

Cardoso said Sundowns had specifically prepared for the threat posed by the 28-year-old before the match.

“Yes, it’s a striker that gives a lot of work, we knew very well, we studied him very well,” Cardoso told SuperSport after the game.

“We knew from the matches, it’s the fourth time we played Golden Arrows in the season, it’s the first one we keep them at zero but also it comes from the work the boys did.

“Not only on controlling the space at the back of the defence, but also controlling their movements inside the box, so congratulations. I think it was well done.”

The result sent Sundowns into the last four of the Carling Knockout, with Rayners’ goal proving enough to settle a closely contested match.

Cardoso’s side will now switch their focus to Sunday’s CAF Super Cup meeting with USM Alger at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.