Mamelodi Sundowns bounced back from their CAF Champions League disappointment to storm into the Carling Knockout quarter-finals after a 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday night.
Siyanda Ndlovu’s 20th-minute strike was all the Brazilians needed to book a place in the last eight of this league cup. Despite struggling for an assurance goal and risking being hit back, Sundowns, however, managed to hold on to their slender lead to proceed.
That they are still on course to win a third trophy this season could pacify Masandawana fans who witnessed their team bow out of the Champions League at the hands of Wilite SC last weekend.
For Gallants, their poor form continues as they remain winless in nine games across all competitions this season, and coach Ronnie Kanalelo is still searching for his first victory in charge of Bahlabane ba Ntwa. FARPost runs through six of the talking points of Tuesday’s match.
CARDOSO RINGS MAJOR CHANGES
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made some wholesale changes, with centre-back Malibongwe Khoza the only survivor from the team that started against Wiliete SC last Friday. Mothobi Kvala started for the first time since November 2024 to partner Khoza at the heart of defence.
Ricardo Goss returned to replace Ronwen Williams in goal, while Arthur Sales was in the line-up for the first time this season as Thabo Cele made his maiden Sundowns start. Also drafted into the first XI were the likes of Fawaaz Basadien, Thapelo Morena, Sphelele Mkhulise, Ndlovu, Antonio van Wyk and Iqraam Rayners.
The Portuguese coach was comfortable benching regulars Brayan Leon, Marcelo Allende, Tashreeq Matthews and Aubrey Modibha.
KANALELO MAKES MINOR TWEAK
Gallants went into Tuesday’s match having been last in action 10 days earlier when they lost 2-1 to Sekhukhune United in a Betway Premiership match. For a team that has been searching for solutions to their difficult run of form, Gallants coach Ronnie Kanalelo was expected to make some big changes to his starting line-up.
But the Namibian made a minor tweak by benching Cameroon international goalkeeper Emile Lako for Kagiso Mlambo.
NDLOVU’S BIG SAY FOR SUNDOWNS
The former Golden Arrows man was the star of the show with his first-half strike, which made a huge difference. It was his third goal in Sundowns colours, and his last contribution on the domestic scene had been an assist against Richards Bay FC exactly two weeks ago.
Ndlovu was eventually named the Man of the Match after having a big say in the contest.
MOREMI SEKETSO A BIG THREAT TO SUNDOWNS
He might have ended the match without a goal or assist, but Gallants midfielder Moremi Seketso shook the Brazilians. The former Polokwane City FC star was a constant threat, with Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Thato Pheeha supporting him.
After he was substituted in the 67th minute, Seketso’s absence could be felt as Bahlabane ba Ntwa struggled to hit back at Madsandawana.
‘LORD’ MVALA MARSHALLS HIS TROOPS TO A CLEAN SHEET
On an evening when he was making his third appearance of the season, Mvala was Sundowns’captain of the day. The experienced defender led by example and helped his team to a clean sheet.
MONNAPULE SALENG MAKES HIS SEASON DEBUT
Monnapule Saleng made his season debut, coming on for Antonio van Wyk with seven minutes to go. However, the former Orlando Pirates winger could not make an impact after being introduced.
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