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Mamelodi Sundowns edged Golden Arrows 1–0 to book their place in the Carling Knockout semi-finals. Iqraam Rayners struck the decisive blow.Picture: BACKPAGEPIX
MAMELODI Sundowns’ Carling Knockout quarter-final had to be moved forward to midweek to give them space to prepare for another continental assignment, and they made the most of the earlier date by booking their place in the competition’s semi-finals.
The Brazilians were made to work for it, but eventually beat Golden Arrows 1–0 at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday night, with Iqraam Rayners scoring the only goal of the match in the second half.
The other three quarter-final ties are scheduled for the weekend, but Sundowns’ commitments in the CAF Super Cup meant they had to play earlier. They host Algeria’s USM Alger at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday, November 8, with kick-off at 3pm, so expecting them to play on Saturday would not have been an option.
The remaining Carling Knockout fixtures begin on Saturday, November 7, when Orlando Pirates host Sekhukhune United at Orlando Amstel Arena at 3pm. On Sunday, Kaizer Chiefs meet Siwelele at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium at 3pm, before Stellenbosch take on AmaZulu at the Danie Craven Stadium at 6pm.
Sundowns, for their part, had their full focus on getting past an Arrows side that always seem to pick themselves up for matches against the Brazilians; and true to form Arrows again made them work for their place in the last four.
It’s worth bearing in mind though that Mandla Ncikazi had taken charge of Arrows just very recently after leaving his assistant coaching position at Orlando Pirates; which means that he may not yet have had time to stamp his style on the team.
Some would remember that Ncikazi previously coached Arrows to fourth place in the 2020/21 league season before joining Pirates in 2021. Thus far, with two narrow defeats to his name, the coach can now look forward to building a winning culture in KZN.
The hosts created several opportunities in the opening half but could not find a way past the visitors’ defence and goalkeeper Dumisani Msibi. Rayners had an early sight of goal, while Siyanda Ndlovu saw an effort rebound off the crossbar.
Sundowns threatened again before the break, with Mothobi Mvala testing Msibi from distance. Rayners also came close after the restart, but the Arrows goalkeeper made another save to keep the scores level.
The breakthrough came midway through the second half. Sundowns made a triple substitution, bringing on Marcelo Allende, Thabang Matuludi and Cassius Mailula, and were rewarded almost immediately.
Antonio Van Wyk’s effort from the left found Rayners, who got his head to the ball and sent it past Msibi. The goal, scored in the 69th minute, gave Sundowns the lead they had been seeking.
Arrows had an opportunity to respond soon afterwards, but substitute Philani Khumalo fired over in the 72nd minute. Sundowns then managed the closing stages to protect their advantage and secure their passage into the semi-finals.
For Golden Arrows, it was the end of their Carling Knockout campaign. Sundowns, meanwhile, can turn their attention to Sunday’s meeting with USM Alger, with a place in the continental season’s honours list at stake.
The Super Cup brings together the winners of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, Sundowns, and the Confederation Cup, USM Alger.
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