Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso rang the changes ahead of this weekend’s CAF Super Cup final in mind. Only goalkeeper Ricardo Goss and Bathusi Aubaas retained their places following Saturday’s emphatic win over Durban City.
The first action of the night came in 14th minute. Siyanda Ndlovu danced past a defender before firing a shot that rattled the crossbar.
CARLING KNOCKOUT: MAMELODI SUNDOWNS 1-0 GOLDEN ARROWS
Sundowns were forced to bid their time until the closing stages of the first half to threaten. Bafana Bafana star Iqraam Rayners found Antonio van Wyk with a quality delivery, but the winger’s header flew wide with Dumisani Msibi to beat.
The second half began quietly before Cardoso made his move. On 65 minutes, Sundowns made a triple change. Out: Marcelo Allende, Cassius Mailula and Thabang Matuludi. In: Sphelele Mkhulise, Thapelo Morena and Arthur Sales.
IQRAAM RAYNERS BREAKS THE DEADLOCK
The changes soon made an impact. Two minutes later, Rayners finally broke the deadlock, finishing with an unorthodorth header of a Van Wyk cross.
Golden Arrows enjoyed more possession as the half progressed, but their efforts to push forward were repeatedly shut down before they could make meaningful inroads into the final third. Sundowns defenders Mothobi Mvala and Malibongwe Khoza kept Dion under tight control.
That defensive discipline carried the hosts through the closing stages, as Sundowns comfortably managed the game to secure their place in the Carling Knockout semi-finals.
Coming up next in this weekend’s quarter-finals are the likes of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
HOW THE TWO TEAMS LINED-UP
Mamelodi Sundowns: 31. Goss, 27. Morena, 42. Khoza, 40. Mvala, 23. Basadien, 15. Aubaas, 21. Mkhulise, 9. Sales, 38. Ndlovu, 39. Van Wyk, 13. Rayners.
Subs: 1. Onyango, 3. Ndamane, 22. Matuludi, 6. Modiba, 11. Allende, 10. Santos, 18. Zwane, 33. Mailula, 13. Leon.
Golden Arrows: 19. Msibi, 4. Jiyane, 46. Msomi, 26. Agnikoi, 29. Sithole, 3. Shezi, 20. Maluleke, 25. Maxwele, 18. Dion, 49. Gasa, 41. Zwane.
Subs: 27. Mbanjwa, 38. Mabaso, 23. Barry, 40. Nguse, 36. Khumalo, 28. Van Neel, 22. Karelse, 30. Cele, 11. Moli.
