One goal was enough! Mamelodi Sundowns survive tense battle and march into Carling Knockout quarter-finals

Mamelodi Sundowns found the response they desperately needed after a difficult few days.

Details: Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Marumo Gallants 1-0 at Loftus Versfeld in the Carling Knockout round of 16 and secured their place in the quarter-finals. The only goal of the match arrived in the 20th minute, when Siyanda Ndlovu finished off a Sundowns attack after being set up by Iqraam Rayners.

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The hosts controlled much of the opening period and eventually found the breakthrough after 20 minutes. Thapelo Morena moved the ball to Rayners, who delivered a well-weighted pass into Ndlovu's path. The youngster finished from a tight angle to put Sundowns ahead and give the home crowd the moment they had been waiting for.

Marumo Gallants struggled to create clear opportunities before the break, although Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo forced Ricardo Goss into action. Sundowns also picked up two early yellow cards, with Fawaaz Basadien booked in the 17th minute and Thabo Cele following five minutes later. Ndlondlo received a booking for Gallants in the 33rd minute.

Miguel Cardoso made two changes at half-time, introducing Marcelo Allende and Aubrey Modiba for Cele and Basadien. Sundowns continued to dictate the tempo after the restart, although Gallants had a dangerous moment when Samkele Sihlali threatened to equalise and Goss produced an important save.

The Tshwane side protected their narrow advantage until the final whistle and moved into the last eight without needing extra time. It is worth noting that this was Sundowns' first match since their shock CAF Champions League elimination by Wiliete, an exit that ended their run of reaching the competition's group stage every season since 2015.

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