Mamelodi Sundowns advanced to the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final after eliminating last season’s finalists Marumo Gallants.
Following the shocking CAF Champions League exit, Sundowns came to this game under massive pressure. And Masandawana coach Miguel Cardoso made lots of changes to the starting line-up.
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The hosts started the game well, keeping the ball and trying to move the Gallants defense who seemed unwilling to open up. In the 10th minute, Iqraam Rayners delivered a cross into the box but it missed the finishing touch.
After 20 minutes Sundowns opened the scoring, Thapelo Morena played a pass to Rayners whom delivered a well-executed pass to Siyanda Ndlovu, before Skhwishi blustered it into the net from a tight angle to make it 1-0.
Gallants didn’t threaten or cause problems for the Sundowns defense with Ricardo Goss making one save without making too much of an effort from Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo.
The second half kicked off, with Sundowns making two substitutions bringing in Aubrey Modiba and Marcelo Allende; while Fawaz Basadien and Thabo Cele made way. The Tshwane giants dictated the tempo of the game, making Gallants look for the ball.
Inside the hour mark, Sundowns’ defense went to sleep as Samkele Sihlali nearly pounced but Goss came to the rescue with a great save.
Sundowns managed to hold on to their 1-0 lead, as they progressed to the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final, they will learn about their next opponents in the competition during Wednesday’s draw.