Rayners sends Mamelodi Sundowns into Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals

Mamelodi Sundowns became the first side to reach the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals after Iqraam Rayners secured a 1-0 quarter-final victory over Golden Arrows at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday night.

Rayners settled the tie with 20 minutes remaining, heading in a cross from Antonio Van Wyk to send Sundowns through to the last four.

The goal also provided some relief for coach Miguel Cardoso, who has faced mounting pressure to deliver results as each match and competition passes, although he continues to have the club’s backing.

Cardoso’s position has come under scrutiny after Sundowns failed to reach the CAF Champions League group stage and were unable to continue their title defence.

The Portuguese-born manager has nevertheless continued to place his faith in the full squad, rotating his players during the past few matches.

That approach has also allowed Rayners to rebuild his confidence after a sluggish start to the season. While Cardoso has continued to support Brayan Leon during the striker’s recent goal drought, Rayners has taken advantage of his opportunities.

The Bafana Bafana international has now scored four goals in his past four matches across all competitions.

If selected for the final squad, Rayners will take that run of form into the national team camp ahead of Bafana Bafana’s back-to-back 2027 Afcon qualifiers against co-hosts Kenya this month.

Before then, Sundowns will turn their attention to Sunday’s CAF Super Cup meeting with USM Alger at Loftus Versfeld.

They go into that match with confidence in cup finals, having won their past three. Those victories include the Fifa Intercontinental Cup and MTN8 Cup.