Cardoso Changes the Team and Sundowns Respond Well

Mamelodi Sundowns booked their place in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals after knocking out Marumo Gallants, who were the finalists in last season’s competition.

The match came at a difficult time for the Pretoria side, who arrived under heavy pressure following their shock exit from the CAF Champions League. Head coach Miguel Cardoso made several changes to his starting line-up for the clash.

The hosts began brightly, keeping possession and trying to stretch a Gallants defence that appeared unwilling to open up. In the 10th minute, Iqraam Rayners sent a cross into the box, but nobody was able to get a final touch.

Sundowns took the lead after 20 minutes. Thapelo Morena played a pass to Rayners, who then set up Siyanda Ndlovu, and he fired the ball into the net from a tight angle to make it 1-0.

Gallants did not threaten the Sundowns defence in the first half. Goalkeeper Ricardo Goss was only forced into one routine save, from Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, and he did not have to make much of an effort.

After the break, Sundowns made two changes, bringing on Aubrey Modiba and Marcelo Allende for Fawaz Basadien and Thabo Cele. The Tshwane giants controlled the tempo of the game and made Gallants chase the ball for long periods.

Just before the hour mark, the Sundowns defence switched off for a moment and Samkele Sihlali nearly took advantage, but Goss came to the rescue with a fine save to keep the scoreline at 1-0.

Sundowns managed to hold on to their narrow lead and progressed to the quarter-finals. They will find out their next opponents in the competition when the draw is held on Wednesday.

Matlokwa feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com