Mamelodi Sundowns became the first team to reach the Carling Knockout semi-finals after a 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows at Loftus Versfeld.
Miguel Cardoso made wholesale changes with this weekend’s CAF Super Cup final in mind, retaining only goalkeeper Ricardo Goss and Bathusi Aubaas from the side that produced an emphatic win over Durban City on Saturday.
Golden Arrows created the first clear opening after 14 minutes. Siyanda Ndlovu went beyond his marker before striking the crossbar with a powerful effort.
Sundowns took time to build momentum and did not seriously threaten again until the latter stages of the first half. Bafana Bafana forward Iqraam Rayners delivered an accurate cross towards Antonio van Wyk, whose header went narrowly wide despite Dumisani Msibi being beaten.
The match remained goalless early in the second half before Cardoso turned to his substitutes. On 65 minutes, Marcelo Allende, Cassius Mailula and Thabang Matuludi were withdrawn, with Sphelele Mkhulise, Thapelo Morena and Arthur Sales introduced.
The changes produced an immediate response. Two minutes later, Rayners put Sundowns ahead with an unconventional header from Van Wyk’s cross.
Golden Arrows saw more of the ball as the half progressed, but their attempts to advance were consistently contained before they could establish themselves in the final third. Sundowns centre-backs Mothobi Mvala and Malibongwe Khoza ensured Dion remained closely marked.
The hosts maintained their defensive organisation through the final stages and saw out the game without serious danger, booking their place in the semi-finals.
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are among the teams due to play their quarter-finals this weekend.
Teams
Mamelodi Sundowns: 31 Ricardo Goss, 27 Thapelo Morena, 42 Malibongwe Khoza, 40 Mothobi Mvala, 23 Basadien, 15 Bathusi Aubaas, 21 Sphelele Mkhulise, 9 Arthur Sales, 38 Siyanda Ndlovu, 39 Antonio van Wyk, 13 Iqraam Rayners.
Substitutes: 1 Onyango, 3 Ndamane, 22 Thabang Matuludi, 6 Modiba, 11 Marcelo Allende, 10 Santos, 18 Zwane, 33 Cassius Mailula, 13 Leon.
Golden Arrows: 19 Dumisani Msibi, 4 Jiyane, 46 Msomi, 26 Agnikoi, 29 Sithole, 3 Shezi, 20 Maluleke, 25 Maxwele, 18 Dion, 49 Gasa, 41 Zwane.
Substitutes: 27 Mbanjwa, 38 Mabaso, 23 Barry, 40 Nguse, 36 Khumalo, 28 Van Neel, 22 Karelse, 30 Cele, 11 Moli.
