Mamelodi Sundowns got the job done on Tuesday evening, beating Marumo Gallants 1-0 to book their place in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals.

The Brazilians needed a response after their disappointing exit from the CAF Champions League over the weekend. Coach Miguel Cardoso made several changes and gave starts to players who have not featured much this season. The plan worked just well enough.

Siyanda Ndlovu scored the only goal of the match in the 20th minute at Loftus Versfeld. Iqraam Rayners played him in, and Ndlovu finished from a very tight angle. He drove the ball into the top corner past Kagiso Mlambo. It was a clinical strike and his third goal of the season across all competitions.

Sundowns controlled most of the game in the first half. They kept the ball and limited Gallants to very few chances. The visitors started brightly and had a shot that went just wide early on, but they could not trouble the hosts for long.

After the break, Cardoso brought on Aubrey Modiba and Marcelo Allende. Gallants tried to push higher and create something. Saketso Moremi got a good chance but Ricardo Goss made an important save to keep the lead intact. Sundowns nearly added a second when Nuno Santos fired just wide after linking with Rayners, but the one goal proved enough.

The result ends Gallants’ interest in the competition. The side from Polokwane have struggled for form this season and remain without a league win. For Sundowns, it is another step forward on the domestic front as they look to add more silverware.

The Brazilians will now wait for the quarter-final draw, which takes place on Wednesday. They have shown they can still get results even when the performance is not at their very best. With the continental campaign over, their full attention can now turn to the cups and the league.

Fans will hope this is the start of a stronger run. Ndlovu’s moment of quality was the difference, and the team did what was required to move on. The job is done for now, and the last eight awaits.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2115161023309099016