Mamelodi Sundowns edged past Marumo Gallants 1-0 at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday night to book their place in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals. A solitary goal from Siyanda Ndlovu in the 20th minute was enough to send the Brazilians through, giving them a much-needed win after their shock exit from the CAF Champions League.

The match came just days after Sundowns were eliminated in the preliminary round by Angola’s Wiliete SC. Coach Miguel Cardoso made several changes to the starting line-up as he looked for a response. Goalkeeper Ricardo Goss returned between the posts, while fringe players such as Ndlovu, Antonio van Wyk and others were given starts. Iqraam Rayners also led the attack.

Sundowns controlled the early stages and created the first real chance when Rayners delivered a cross into the box. The opening goal arrived after 20 minutes. Thapelo Morena found Rayners, who played a precise pass to Ndlovu. The winger, known as Skhwishi, finished clinically from a tight angle past Gallants goalkeeper Kagiso Mlambo. It was Ndlovu’s third goal of the season in all competitions and a fine way to mark his contribution.

Gallants, last season’s Carling Knockout finalists, struggled to create clear chances in the first half. Sundowns enjoyed most of the possession and kept the visitors on the back foot. The second half brought a bit more fight from Gallants. Cardoso brought on Aubrey Modiba and Marcelo Allende at half-time. Around the hour mark, Gallants threatened when Samkele Sihlali found space, but Goss produced a good save to keep the lead intact.

Nuno Santos later came close to doubling the advantage after linking up with Rayners, but his effort went wide. Sundowns saw out the remaining minutes without further drama. The win also settled an old score. Last year, Gallants knocked Sundowns out of the same competition after a goalless draw that went to penalties.

The Tshwane giants will now wait for Wednesday’s draw to learn their quarter-final opponents. The result gives Cardoso’s side a positive step forward on the domestic front after the continental disappointment, even if the performance was not at their fluent best. Ndlovu’s goal proved decisive on the night.

Source: https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2115154869397192986