Siyanda Ndlovu on target as Sundowns edge Gallants in Carling Knockout Cup

Ndlovu nets crucial goal to help Downs beat Gallants in cup tie

Africa Today at 16:26

Add Foot Africa on Google

Siyanda Ndlovu on target as Sundowns edge Gallants in Carling Knockout Cup

Photo: Mamelodi Sundowns @ Facebook

27.10.26 FT League Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Marumo Gallants

Mamelodi Sundowns progressed to the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout Cup after claiming a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants in the round of 16 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday night.

Iqraam Rayners created the first real chance of the match with a cross into the box in the 10th minute, but the movement lacked the much-needed finishing touch in the final third.

Sundowns eventually broke the deadlock 10 minutes later thanks to Siyanda Ndlovu, who rifled his effort into the roof of the net after pouncing on an assist from Rayners.

At the other end of the pitch, Ricardo Goss was forced into making a comfortable save at the half-hour mark, keeping the Brazilians' lead intact at the half time break, with chances limited from both teams.

Arthur Sales looked to double the lead six minutes after the restart, but could only watch his shot fly over the crossbar, while Goss came up clutch to keep the visitors at bay with a huge save in the 58th minute.

Rayners was once again involved at the heart of the attack, combining with second half substitute Nuno Santos, who unleased a shot that went wide of the post in the 74th minute.

Sundowns boss Miguel Cardoso gave winger Monnapule Saleng his first appearance of the season, with the former Orlando Pirates talisman replacing Antonio van Wyk seven minutes from time.

With a lack of clear-cut chances in the capital, Masandawana settled for a one-goal cushion and advanced to the next stage of the League Cup, having failed to book a last eight spot in the previous campaign.

Cardoso and his charges will discover their next opponents on Wednesday, with the draw set to be conducted after the final match of the round of 16 between Durban City and Stellenbosch FC.

This article follows our newsroom’s editorial standards. To learn more about how we create and fact-check our content, see our Editorial Policy .

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.