Mamelodi Sundowns secured a place in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals after Iqraam Rayners’ 69th-minute goal earned them a 1-0 victory over Lamontville Golden Arrows on Tuesday night.
Arrows made the match difficult for the reigning African-Asian-Pacific Cup holders at Loftus Versfeld as they sought to impress their new coach, Mandla Ncikazi. He left Orlando Pirates last week, where he had been assistant to Abdeslam Ouaddou.
The quarter-final was played in midweek, ahead of the competition’s other three last-eight matches this weekend, because Sundowns are due to face USM Alger in the Caf Super Cup at the same stadium on Sunday at 3pm.
With that fixture in mind, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso rested several key players. The Portuguese manager also gave opportunities to squad members who have made important contributions during the club’s demanding schedule when called upon.
Ricardo Goss started in goal, while Malibongwe Khoza, Mothobi Mvala, Antonio van Wyk, Bathusi Aubaas, Sphelele Mkhulise and Arthur Sales were also included among the less regular starters.
That combination needed time to break through against a determined Arrows side, who handled Sundowns’ pressure for long periods.
The decisive moment arrived when Van Wyk moved infield from the left before cutting onto his right foot and shooting from outside the penalty area. Rayners got his head to the effort, directing it beyond Arrows goalkeeper Dumisani Msibi.
The result keeps Sundowns’ hopes of adding a third trophy this season alive. They have already won the MTN8 and the African-Asian-Pacific Cup, and could claim another title if they overcome USM Alger in Sunday’s Caf Super Cup.
