Mamelodi Sundowns left no doubt about their strength as they breezed past Golden Arrows in a commanding 5-0 victory during the Carling Knockout Cup round of 16.
Their win, which took place at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday night, guaranteed them a spot in the quarter-finals.
Bouncing Back from MTN8 Disappointment
The victory comes after Sundowns’ recent setback in the MTN8 tournament, where they were eliminated by Stellenbosch FC.
Sundowns lost both legs of the semi-final, with a 2-0 aggregate defeat that cut short their first trophy hopes of the 2024/25 season.
However, their performance in the Carling Knockout Cup suggests they’re determined to bounce back stronger.
Bold Moves from Coach Mngqithi
Despite their solid display, coach Manqoba Mngqithi made some surprising decisions with his starting lineup.
Key players like Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau, who had recently impressed for Bafana Bafana in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, began the match on the bench.
Still, Sundowns didn’t miss a beat, controlling possession from the start and setting up numerous chances to score.
Thapelo Morena Opens the Floodgates
Sundowns’ attacking pressure paid off in the 14th minute when Thapelo Morena found the back of the net, giving his team an early lead.
Just 11 minutes later, Iqraam Rayners doubled the advantage, continuing his excellent form since joining from Stellenbosch FC in the off-season.
His goal tally now stands at five in six matches across all competitions.
Second-Half Dominance Seals the Win
Heading into the half-time break with a 2-0 lead, Sundowns had already established control.
While Golden Arrows tried to fight back in the second half, Sundowns’ defence held firm.
The Brazilians then delivered three more goals late in the game, courtesy of Mothobi Mvala, Peter Shalulile, and Kutlwano Letlhaku.
Looking Ahead to the Quarter-Finals
With this emphatic win, Sundowns secured their place in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals.
The draw for the last eight teams is scheduled for Sunday, October 20, 2024, and fans are eager to see who the Brazilians will face next in their pursuit of the title.
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