Mamelodi Sundowns progressed in the Carling Knockout with a narrow 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants on Tuesday evening. Siyanda Ndlovu scored the only goal at Loftus Versfeld Stadium to send the league leaders into the next round.
Ndlovu found the net after 20 minutes, finishing a move created by Iqraam Rayners. The early strike proved enough as Sundowns controlled the first half and entered the break with their lead intact. The second half saw no further goals, despite tactical changes from both benches.
Miguel Cardoso's side started brightly and were rewarded when Ndlovu converted Rayners' service. The goal came after a yellow card for F. Basadien and was followed by another booking for T. Cele. Marumo Gallants' N. Ndlondlo also received a caution before halftime. Sundowns made a change at the interval, bringing on A. Modiba for Basadien, and further substitutions followed in the second period as they managed the game to its conclusion.
The win maintains the club's positive momentum as they sit first in the Premier Soccer League standings, one point clear of Orlando Pirates with 23 points from nine games. Their record of seven wins and two draws from nine league games shows their strong start. The team has scored 23 goals while conceding only eight this season, giving them a goal difference of plus fifteen. Their recent form reads three wins and two draws from the last five matches, a sequence that includes a 1-1 draw with Wiliete on Friday 23 October and a 4-1 victory at Richards Bay on Tuesday 13 October. The victory was secured with a disciplined defensive performance, as the team limited Gallants to just one shot on target throughout the 90 minutes. Next up is a return to league action at home to Durban City on Sunday fixtures. That match, scheduled for Sunday 1 November, will see the league leaders host a side currently tenth in the table. Top scorer T. Matthews, who has three goals this season in nine appearances, was introduced as a second-half substitute in this cup tie.
Marumo Gallants, who welcomed Edgar Manaka back from a two-match suspension, offered resistance but could not find an equaliser. Their best chance fell to midfielder K. Mahlasela in the 67th minute, but his effort from the edge of the box sailed over the crossbar. Sundowns will now prepare for their next challenge, aiming to extend their unbeaten run across all competitions.
