Gallants Knock Out Sundowns On Penalties In Carling Knockout

In one of the biggest upsets of the season, Marumo Gallants eliminated Mamelodi Sundowns 7-6 on penalties in the Carling Knockout round of 16 at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday night.

Veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi was the hero for Gallants, saving three penalties and slotting home the winning kick to send the Bloemfontein-based side into the quarter-finals — and dump out last year’s runners-up, Sundowns.

Arubi the Hero as Gallants Stun Sundowns

After 120 minutes of goalless football, the tie was decided from the penalty spot. Arubi stood tall against Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams, producing a goalkeeping masterclass to secure Gallants’ dramatic victory.

The result means Marumo Gallants join Orlando Pirates, Durban City, Golden Arrows, and TS Galaxy in the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup.

Sundowns Struggle Despite Dominance

Despite dominating possession and chances, Miguel Cardoso’s Sundowns couldn’t find a breakthrough. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena came closest when his header from Marcelo Allende’s corner rattled the crossbar.

New Portuguese signing Miguel Reisinho made his debut but saw red shortly after coming on for a dangerous tackle on Siyabonga Nhlapo, leaving Sundowns to finish the match with 10 men.

Cardoso introduced Peter Shalulile, Fawaaz Basadien, and Mosa Lebusa late in the game in search of a winner, but Gallants’ resilient defense — led by Arubi — held firm through extra time.

Penalty Shootout Drama

The penalty shootout was filled with tension as both sides traded blows. Arubi denied Marcelo Allende, Fawaaz Basadien, and Mosa Lebusa, before stepping up himself to convert the decisive penalty and seal the 7-6 victory.

Penalty Summary:

Mamelodi Sundowns: Allende (saved), Basadien (saved), Modiba (scored), Shalulile (scored), Nuno Santos (scored), Mokoena (scored), Morena (scored), Khoza (scored), Lebusa (saved).
Marumo Gallants: Jaisen Clifford (saved), Simo Luthuli (scored), Oroine (scored), Msendami (scored), Sithole (saved), Chabatsane (scored), Ncube (scored), Nhlapo (scored), Arubi (scored).

What’s Next in the Carling Knockout Cup

The action continues on Sunday with:

• Richards Bay vs Chippa United – Umhlathuze Sports Ground
• Stellenbosch FC vs Kaizer Chiefs – DHL Stadium
• AmaZulu FC vs Magesi FC – Moses Mabhida Stadium