Sundowns edge past Gallants to reach Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals

Mamelodi Sundowns responded to their CAF Champions League disappointment by beating Marumo Gallants 1-0 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium and reaching the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals.

The result offered some relief for head coach Miguel Cardoso after Sundowns suffered a shock exit from Africa’s premier club competition on Friday. Their 1-1 draw with Angola’s Wiliete SC in the preliminary round ended their hopes of defending the continental title they won last season.

Winning the CAF Champions League had been Sundowns’ main objective this season, despite the club already securing the MTN8 and the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup.

Cardoso urged his players to show their character in the last-16 tie against Gallants, and they made the breakthrough after 20 minutes when Siyanda Ndlovu found the net.

However, the performance lacked the fluency and cohesion normally associated with Sundowns. Cardoso responded at half-time by introducing Aubrey Modiba and Marcelo Allende for Fawaaz Basadien and Thabo Cele.

Ricardo Goss started in goal, while Mothobi Mvala captained Sundowns as they held on to their narrow advantage.

The victory came during a weekend in which several other sides also secured places in the last eight.

Arthur Zwane’s AmaZulu FC produced a disciplined away performance on Sunday to beat Kruger United 1-0. Lamontville Golden Arrows delivered the most emphatic result of the round, defeating Chippa United 4-0 at King Zwelithini Stadium.

Polokwane City and Siwelele FC could not be separated after 120 minutes at Peter Mokaba Stadium, with the tie ending goalless. Siwelele prevailed 4-3 on penalties to claim their quarter-final place.

Sekhukhune United also progressed after overcoming Richards Bay 3-1, with a strong second-half display securing their passage to the next round.

The remaining last-16 fixture will take place on Wednesday night, when Eric Tinkler’s side host Gavin Hunt’s Stellenbosch FC at Chatsworth Stadium.

That match brings together two teams with a shared history and previous rivalry, as well as significant experience in knockout football.