Sundowns and Gallants confirm starting line-ups for Carling Knockout clash

Mamelodi Sundowns and Marumo Gallants have named their starting line-ups for tonight’s Carling Knockout last-16 match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Sundowns are pursuing a domestic cup double after winning the MTN8 against Orlando Pirates, but Miguel Cardoso’s side will also be aiming to respond to their disappointing CAF Champions League exit.

The South African champions were eliminated by Angolan side Wiliete SC despite drawing 1-1 in the second leg. Sundowns went out on the away goal rule, although they remain unbeaten in their past 11 matches across all competitions.

Gallants arrive at Loftus Versfeld in very different circumstances. Bahlabane Ba Ntwa have not won a match this campaign and are bottom of the Betway Premiership standings.

The club recently brought in Namibian tactician Ronnie Kanalelo as it attempts to improve its fortunes. Gallants will, however, take encouragement from their historic upset of Sundowns in this competition last year as they try to reach the quarter-finals again.

Sundowns will start with Goss in goal, behind a defence of Morena, Khoza, Mvala and Basadien. Cele and Mkhulise are included in midfield, with Sales, Ndlovu, van Wyk and Rayners completing the line-up.

Sundowns starting XI: Goss, Morena, Khoza, Mvala, Basadien, Cele, Mkhulise, Sales, Ndlovu, van Wyk, Rayners.

Substitutes: Onyango, Ndamane, Leon, Van Rooyen, Modiba, Allende, Matthews, Santos, Saleng.

Marumo Gallants will select Mlambo, Ncube, Rikhotso, Manku and Motshoneng, while Ntiya=Ntiya, Pheena and Ndlondlo are also named in the starting team.

Moremi, Sihlali and Kunene complete the Gallants line-up for the last-16 tie.

Gallants starting XI: Mlambo, Ncube, Rikhotso, Manku, Motshoneng, Ntiya=Ntiya, Pheena, Ndlondlo, Moremi, Sihlali, Kunene.