Rayners Breaks Arrows Resistance As Sundowns Scrape Into Carling Knockout Semis
Mamelodi Sundowns scraped past a resilient Lamontville Golden Arrows with a 1–0 victory to reach the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Sundowns were forced to display patience in Pretoria as Mandla Ncikazi’s side defended doggedly for large periods. The result marks yet another cup elimination for Abafana Bes’Thende at the hands of the Chloorkop side this season.
This quarter-final clash was brought forward because Sundowns face Algerian powerhouse USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday—a one-off spectacle between the reigning CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup winners. The remaining three Carling Knockout quarter-finals, featuring Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, will take place over the weekend.
Tuesday’s encounter marked the fourth meeting between the two sides this season. Sundowns previously eliminated Arrows over two legs in the MTN8 semi-finals before defeating Orlando Pirates in the Durban final, while also recording a 2-1 league victory over Arrows in September.
Sundowns took control from the opening whistle, holding over 80% possession and pinning Arrows deep in their own half. Siyanda Ndlovu beat Osborn Maluleke in a one-on-one duel before seeing his powerful strike rattle the frame of the goal.
Despite the heavy siege, Arrows survived the opening half by absorbing pressure and looking to catch Sundowns on the break. Sabelo Sithole tested the host defense from distance, while Nhlanhla Zwane squandered a rare box entry when his weak shot was routinely gathered by Sundowns goalkeeper Ricardo Goss.
At the other end, Iqraam Rayners nearly capitalized on a defensive mix-up, only for Dumisani Msibi to produce a sharp reflex save. Shortly after, Mothobi Mvala saw his header from a corner cleared off the line by Khulekani Shezi.
Seeking a breakthrough, Miguel Cardoso introduced Marcelo Allende, Cassius Mailula, and Thabang Matuludi from the bench.
The relentless pressure finally broke Arrows’ resistance in the 69th minute. Antonio van Wyk cut inside from the flank, and his attempted strike took a heavy deflection off Rayners to settle in the net, sending the home supporters into celebration.
The match also saw a late appearance for 31-year-old Golden Arrows forward Nduduzo Moli (formerly Nduduzo Sibiya), making his first appearance since April. Moli famously scored the winning goal to knock Sundowns out in the 2016/17 Nedbank Cup quarter-final at Lucas Moripe Stadium when Ncikazi was serving as assistant to Clinton Larsen.
Arrows almost found a late equalizer when Shezi floated a dangerous ball into the box, but Moli failed to make clean contact, allowing Sundowns to hold on and continue their quest for a first Carling Knockout title since the 2019/20 season.
