Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns are preparing for crucial Carling Knockout Cup Last 16 encounters on Tuesday evening, with both South African giants eager to respond after recent disappointments.

Chiefs host TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium, while Sundowns welcome Marumo Gallants to Loftus Versfeld. Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 19:00, with the eventual Carling Knockout Cup champions set to receive a lucrative R6.85 million prize.

Kaizer Chiefs head into the match under pressure following their elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup after losing to Red Arrows on penalties last Friday.

The Soweto giants have reportedly gone five matches without a victory across all competitions and have already suffered exits from two cup competitions this season. The Carling Knockout therefore presents another opportunity for Fernando Da Cruz’s side to restore confidence and keep their hopes of silverware alive.

Chiefs have made an important adjustment to their team, with goalkeeper Brandon Petersen returning after missing recent matches through injury.

Midfielder Lebohang Maboe is also included after recovering from an injury, providing a boost to the team ahead of the knockout encounter.

TS Galaxy, meanwhile, will be determined to take advantage of Chiefs’ difficult run. The Rockets will also draw inspiration from their famous victory over Amakhosi in the 2009 Nedbank Cup final as they look to eliminate the Soweto side once again.

Mamelodi Sundowns also have work to do as they turn their attention to domestic cup football following their disappointing CAF Champions League exit against Angola’s Wiliete SC.

Miguel Cardoso’s team will be determined to keep their domestic trophy ambitions on track, but Marumo Gallants cannot be underestimated.

Gallants knocked Sundowns out of last season’s Carling Knockout competition after a goalless draw was decided by a penalty shootout. That result serves as a reminder that the Brazilians could face another difficult challenge.

With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, both matches carry significant importance. Chiefs and Sundowns will be looking to avoid another setback and move one step closer to the R6.85 million prize.

Source : https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2115117197349601557