Cardoso rests key performers and introduces fringe players as Ndlovu produces a stunning winner

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso asked for a strong response after their Champions League disappointment on Friday, but he got a laboured 1-0 Carling Knockout Cup last 16 win over Marumo Gallants at Loftus on Tuesday.

The Brazilians were knocked out of the Champions League in the preliminary stage by Angolan side Wiliete SC last week and their response was not as powerful as Cardoso asked for from his players.

The quarterfinal mission has been accomplished by Sundowns but they were not at their best, maybe because of the many changes to the starting line-up made by Cardoso. The 54-year-old Portuguese gave rare starts to fringe players including Ricardo Goss, Mothobi Mvala, Thabo Cele, Sphelele Mkhulise, Siyanda Ndlovu and Antonio van Wyk.

The bench was also made up of some of the players who have had little or no action so far this season in Denis Onyango, Deano van Rooyen and Monnapule Saleng.

Some regular players were rested as Cardoso kept one eye on the Caf Super Cup against Algerian side USM Alger early next month here at Loftus.

Visiting coach Ronnie Kanalelo went with his tried and tested players including Kagiso Mlambo, Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya, Phillip Ndlondlo, Samkele Sihlali and Msindisi Kunene.

Sundowns opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Ndlovu got on the end of a delightful attacking move to smack a superb finish from an impossible angle past Gallants goalkeeper Mlambo after he was released by Iqraam Rayners.

Gallants started the second half with more purpose and were almost rewarded with the equaliser in the 56th, but Saketso Moremi was denied by Goss.

In the closing stages, Cardoso introduced forgotten attacker Saleng to replace Van Wyk and he was welcomed with loud cheers from Sundowns’ supporters in the stands.

Downs returns to action on Saturday with a clash against Durban City at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, where they will be looking to stay top of the Betway Premiership.

For Gallants, their mission to rise from the bottom of the standings continues when they host Siwelele FC, also in Rustenburg, on Friday night.