One goal, one ticket! Mamelodi Sundowns edge Golden Arrows in dramatic Carling Knockout battle

Mamelodi Sundowns continue their pursuit of another domestic trophy, overcoming a familiar opponent.

Details: Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Golden Arrows 1-0 in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals on November 3 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. The narrow victory sends Miguel Cardoso's team into the semi-finals, ending Golden Arrows' hopes of lifting the trophy.

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The encounter was another chapter in an increasingly intense rivalry between the South African clubs. Earlier this season, Golden Arrows stunned Sundowns with a 1-0 victory in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final. However, Cardoso's men responded with a 3-2 win in the return fixture to progress on away goals. They subsequently defeated Arrows 2-1 in the league.

Golden Arrows entered the quarter-final under returning head coach Mandla Ncikazi, having demolished Chippa United 4-0 in the previous round. Sundowns, meanwhile, had secured their place in the last eight through another narrow 1-0 victory, this time against Marumo Gallants. Siyanda Ndlovu scored the decisive goal in that encounter.

The Pretoria giants now turn their attention to another major challenge. On November 8, Sundowns are scheduled to face Algerian side USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup, also at Loftus Versfeld. It is worth noting that Sundowns have won the Carling Knockout competition four times, while the winners of this season's tournament will receive R6.85 million in prize money.

Reminder: After CAF Champions League exit, several Mamelodi Sundowns players could leave as early as January