Mamelodi Sundowns will meet Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout final after defeating Marumo Gallants 2-0 in the semi-final on Sunday afternoon.
Carling Knockout
Result: Marumo Gallants 0-2 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 10 November 2024
Venue: Dr Molemela Stadium
Sundowns brought back most of the regulars that were rested in a league win over Polokwane City in midweek, as only goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and Peter Shalulile retained their places, as they were joined by the likes of Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Iqraam Rayners and Teboho Mokoena.
The game got off to a bright start as Masandawana took the game to Gallants but it was Dan Malesela's charges who had the first chance on 12 minutes after Daniel Msendami forced a one-handed save from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with a powerful strike.
Manqoba Mngqithi's charges increased their intensity in attack and on the half-hour mark, Peter Shalulile came close to breaking the deadlock with a header that missed narrowly wide.
The Tshwane side had the momentum as they forced Gallants to defend deep in the latter phase of the first stanza but they could not open up their defence as the sides went to the break deadlocked.
Sundowns had a perfect start in the second stanza as Costa eventually broke the deadlock eight minutes from the interval with a cheeky penalty after a handball in the box by Marvin Sikhosana.
Malesela's men were fired up and Thapelo Dhludhlu had a big chance midway into the second stanza after he went clear on goal but could not beat Williams in a one-on-one.
Gallants wanted to continue with their momentum in the closing stages as they made a tactical and attacking change, with Gabadinho Mhango coming on for Monde Mphambaniso.
Mngqithi went for a different approach and fresh legs in attack ten minutes before time as Kutlwano Letlhaku and Arthur Sales both came on for Rayners and Shalulile.
Siwelele Sa Marumo put Masandawana under pressure in the dying minutes but they were caught in added time as Neo Maema made it 2-0 for the Tshwane giants with a strike into the top corner.
The Brazilians will play against Magesi in the final.
Here's how they lined up:
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Sikhosana, Mabotja, Nthatheni, Sithole, Msendami, Dhludhlu, Manaka, Shai, Mphambaniso, Khumalo
Subs: Mlambo, Rikhotso, Chabatsane, Nange, Nemtajela, Mhango, Nhlapo, Prins, Wagaba
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Kekana, Aubaas, Mvala, Mudau, Modiba, Mokoena, Allende, Ribeiro, Rayners, Shalulile
Subs: Onyango, Lebusa, Morena, Mashego, Maboe, Mkhulise, Maema, Letlhaku, Sales
