Mamelodi Sundowns pummeled Golden Arrows 5-0 in the Carling Knockout Cup first round at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday. 

Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi decided to once again start the game without the services of two Bafana Bafana internationals Tebogo Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau. 

It did not take long for Masandawana to demonstrate their intentions, sending wave after wave of attacks predominantly in the right flank through Thapelo Morena. 

Sundowns’ efforts eventually paid off as early as the 13th minute. A cracker by Thapelo Morena after being laid off by Ribeiro Costa just outside the box to beat a fully stretched Edward Maova. 

The Brazilians continued to assert further dominance throughout the first half through quick and direct attacks and finding passes through a helpless Arrows midfield.

Sundowns doubled the lead in the 30^th minute after another one of their defense-splitting passes through the Arrows’ defence, this time from Riberio who found TashreeqMethews. In a two-v-one with the goalkeeper, the 24-year-old unselfishly laid it off for Iqraam Rayners who slotted in arguably the easiest tap-in of his career. 

Arrows looked out of place in attack, failing to string a mere five passes and constantly giving the ball away to aggressive Sundowns.

Sundowns returned to the second half of the game with the same pace and intensity, looking to extend their lead as early as possible. 

However, the Brazilians’ attack was kept at bay by a stubborn Arrows defense. 

Arrows eventually found their first two shots on target within 20 minutes into the second half despite not shot not giving the Downs goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams a real test of his goals. 

Sundowns finally found their third through Mothobi Mvala who returns from an injury to find his first of the season. A 73^rdminute 

In double quick time, the Brazilians found a fourth. Cruising through the Arrows’ defence was Morena with another one of his lethal runs down the wing to find Peter Shalulile who grabbed his first of the season through an easy tap-in.

A demolition job at the Lucas Moripe Stadium as the Arrows defense was again split into pieces as Sphelele Mkhulise found the young Kutlwano Letlhaku from deep and the Downs academy graduate opened his body to slot it past Edward Maova.

Sundowns once again demonstrated great quality while Arrows will return back to Durban in great disappointment having not shown up on the day.