Ndlovu’s spectacular strike sends Mamelodi Sundowns into Carling Knockout quarter-finals

Mamelodi Sundowns reached the Carling Knockout quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory against Marumo Gallants on Tuesday evening, Siyanda Ndlovu’s superb finish deciding the tie.

The winning goal came in the 20th minute, when Ndlovu overlapped on the right before firing into the top corner from an extremely tight angle.

The result gave Mamelodi Sundowns a response after their CAF Champions League exit and extended their impressive start to the domestic campaign. Marumo Gallants, meanwhile, remain in search of their first win in all competitions this season.

Marumo made the more positive start and almost took the lead within the opening minutes. Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya surged forward from the left and sent his shot narrowly wide after meeting a cutback.

Mamelodi Sundowns survived that early pressure before producing the decisive moment through Ndlovu, whose strike gave goalkeeper Kagiso Mlambo little chance.

Marumo continued to threaten as the first half progressed. Msindisi Ndlovu combined with Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo to work an opening inside the penalty area, but Ricardo Goss came off his line to smother the attempt.

Goss was called into action again before the interval when Ntiya-Ntiya found space for a close-range effort. The goalkeeper made another important save to preserve Sundowns’ advantage.

Gallants push for an equaliser

Mamelodi Sundowns made two changes at the beginning of the second half, introducing Fawaaz Basadien for Aubrey Modiba and Marcelo Allende for Thabo Cele.

Marumo came out with clear attacking intent after the restart and went close to levelling when Saketso Moremi ran on to a through ball from Ndlondlo. Moremi advanced into a one-on-one position with Goss, but the goalkeeper parried his shot away.

Sundowns nearly doubled their lead moments later. Modiba delivered a cross from the left towards the back post, where Ndlovu met it with a header, but he could not generate enough power to beat Mlambo.

The reigning African champions continued to look for a second goal during the closing stages. Nuno Santos combined with Rayners before shooting, although the effort drifted wide.

As the final whistle approached, Mamelodi Sundowns withdrew Antonio Van Wyk and brought on the returning Monnapule Saleng. They held on to their narrow lead and secured their place in the last eight of the Carling Knockout.