Mamelodi Sundowns are through to the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout Cup following a 1-0 victory against Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld. It is Siyanda Ndlovu’s strike that won the match for the Pretoria-based side on Tuesday night. 

There was a sluggish start to the match, with both sides denying each other real chances early in the game. It is only after the 15^th minute more action was witnessed at Loftus.

The visitors tested Downs goalkeeper, Ricardo Goss on the 19^th minute, with a strike outside the box but he caught the ball. A minute later, a good build-up which started from Goss saw Masandawana finding the back of the net. The came ball that came from the right flank found Ndlovu who scored an impossible goal – from a tight angle – to break the deadlock. 

Just before the half-hour mark, a box entry by Gallants almost levelled matters but a slide tackle by Malibongwe Khoza denied them, to keep Madandawana ahead. 

Although the hosts were leading, Bahlabane Ba Ntwa kept the Downs defence at work, as they looked for an equaliser. The scoreline, however, remained 1-0 at the break. 

In the first three minutes of the match, Bafana Ba Style had already threatened the Gallants defence. Iqraam Rayners had an opportunity to score just in front of goal but Gallants managed to snatch the ball off his feet before shooting.

On the 54^th minute, Gallants created their biggest chance on the left flank when a cross was made. Before the ball could find someone to connect, Khoza made an important clearance to deny the visitors. 

Rayners almost found a second goal for the hosts on the 56^th minute but the keeper came off his mark to stop him. Rayners found the rebound which was, however, blocked. A minute later, Gallants drove the ball to the other half and Goss was tested again from the left side. Goss, however, came off his mark to punch the ball away with his right hand. 

With ten minutes left to the game, Rayners dribbled past the defence as he made a run to the box. He was, however, caught on the left flank when a Gallants defender snatched the ball off his feet. 

Although, they could not get more goals in the second half, Ndlovu’s only goal of the match was enough for the Brazilians to advance to the next round. 

How we lined up: Goss, Khoza, Mvala ©, Morena, Basadien, Cele, Mkhulise, Sales, Ndlovu, van Wyk, Rayners.

Subs: Onyango, Ndamane, van Rooyen, Modiba, Allende, Matthews, Santos, Leon, Saleng.