Lamontville Golden Arrows’ poor decision-making let them down as they were eliminated from the Carling Knockout Cup, coach Mandla Ncikazi said after Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Arrows lost 1-0 in their quarterfinal tie to an Iqraam Rayners goal after 69 minutes.

“We knew what we were going to face. We were playing champions quality, but we tried to play our game the way we planned,” said Ncikazi of his side’s approach to the game at Loftus Versfeld.

“But something was missing in our game. If you play against Mamelodi Sundowns, you're not going to create lots of chances. We got into the areas that we wanted to get into, but then the final pass, the final decision …. I'm just disappointed that there was just one missing link. I don't think we will win games if we don't take decisions in that final area. 

“But I'm not disappointed with the effort from the boys. They are receptive; they work very hard. And there's something to work on,” Ncikazi added. 

“You have to box smart when you play Sundowns; choose the areas where you think you can hit them. If you want to go 50-50 with them, you must ask, ‘Does your quality allow you to do that?’ That's the question. But where can you benefit? I thought we were getting into good spaces, but the disappointment was, like I said, the final pass. 

“When you’re playing a cup match you can change the strategy. When we went 1-0 down, there was no reason to sit back and we changed the way we were pressing. 

“I thought we did get chances to take shots, but we were not as clinical as they were. 

“We have work to do, go back home, try and make the team better. That's why we are coaches,” the new Arrows boss said.

Ncikazi returned to Arrows as coach last week, and this is his second loss after the derby defeat by AmaZulu last Saturday.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says his side could have finished off Lamontville Golden Arrows earlier in Tuesday’s Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinal, but he was nevertheless well pleased with the outcome.

The 1-0 home win, courtesy of a 69th-minute goal from Iqraam Rayners, put Sundowns into their second successive cup semifinal this season after they won the MTN8 last month.

“Obviously, we could have made it easier in terms of result. We had chances to score immediately in the first five minutes. I think we had two clear chances to score, but what was interesting to see is that the team didn't deviate from the plan and was focused enough to keep on playing as we wanted.

“It was important to take the ball out wide, left and right, to move Arrows, then trying to find spaces. They are a team that closes the centre of the pitch very well, so it’s quite difficult to penetrate through the middle.

“So we moved players wide so that we could have more width and capacity to penetrate them in those spaces and stretch them so that we could then also find space inside.

“We had to make a few corrections in terms of positional play at halftime, because we needed to control the ball better. We knew that fatigue would obviously penalise the team that is chasing the ball,” Cardoso added.

“Also, we didn't want to get to a moment in the game where we would be stressed trying to find a goal and expose ourselves (at the back) because we knew also there were quick players on the bench of the opponent, and coach Mandla (Ncikazi) is very clever.

“It was important to score, and that first goal gave us a little bit of stability and put a little bit of rush on the opponent.”

COACHABLE PLAYERS

The Sundowns coach felt his instructions had been adhered to, and this pleased him immensely

“I think the team was very, very loyal to the plan, which is very important for the coach.

"Last week, I was speaking about coachable players. I was saying how important it is that they absorb the tips that we give them, the small indications that have come from one match, and sometimes are different, and how absorbing them and putting them into practice on the pitch makes them stronger. I think we were very committed, a very solid performance, and obviously, we’re very happy to be in the semi-finals of this competition,” Cardoso added.

Mamelodi Sundowns have booked a place in the semifinals of the Carling Knockout after they defeated Golden Arrows 1-0 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening.

It was a game of patience for the Brazilians, who dominated from early on and created numerous scoring chances, but had to wait until midway through the second half to finally break the deadlock, via Iqraam Rayners, against a stubborn and determined Abafana Bes’thende.

Sundowns created the first clear chance of the game 12 minutes in, with a fine pass from Sphelele Mkhulise handing Iqraam Rayners a sight of goal, but the Bafana Bafana striker was unable to take advantage.

Rayners soon teed up Siyanda Ndlovu, who unleashed a fierce shot that had the beating of Arrows goalkeeper Dumisani Msibi, but rebounded off the crossbar.

Arrows began to find their confidence and rhythm as the half wore on, with Nhlanhla Gasa and Ayabulela Maxwele combining to good effect in the 23rd minute, but the latter was denied by an unconvincing save from ‘Downs goalkeeper Ricardo Goss.

Just past the half hour mark Sundowns hit the woodwork again, with a shot from Rayners deflecting off Eroine Agnikoi and clipping the post on its way out for a corner kick.

Mothobi Mvala then came close to catching Msibi out with a long-range effort, but the ‘keeper just about managed to spare his blushes.

The Brazilians threatened again near the end of the first half when Ndlovu teed up Arthur Sales with a good chance, but the No 9 failed to provide a finish – summing up a frustrating first 45 minutes for the home team.

Ten minutes into the second half Rayners tried a volley on the half-turn, with his effort looking destined for the back of the net until Msibi intervened to concede a corner kick.

Midway through the second half Sundowns made a triple change, sending on Marcelo Allende, Thabang Matuludi and Cassius Mailula, and they were rewarded almost immediately, as Rayners provided a fine finish from Antonio Van Wyk’s cross-shot in the 69th minute to finally break the deadlock.

Arrows threatened an almost immediate reply via Philani Khumalo, but the substitute shot over the target in the 72nd minute.

That chance was followed by a long-range drive from Matuludi at the other end, but Msibi made the save to keep the score at 1-0.

The hosts were able to see out the dying minutes despite Arrows’ best efforts to find an equaliser and force extra time.

Sundowns will go on to face USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup on Sunday 8 November, while Arrows’ next scheduled fixture is a Betway Premiership match away to Orlando Pirates in late November.

Mamelodi Sundowns (0) 1 (Rayners 69’)

Golden Arrows 0

SUNDOWNS: Goss, Morena (Matuludi 67’), Mvala, Khoza, Basadien (Modiba 78’), Aubaas, Mkhulise (Allende 67’), Sales (Mailula 67’), Ndlovu, Van Wyk (Santos 84’), Rayners

ARROWS: Msibi, Shezi, Agnikoi, Jiyane, Maluleke (Cele 69’), Maxwele, Gasa (Van Neel 60’), Zwane (Moli 78’), Msomi (Mabaso 69’), Sithole (P. Khumalo 69’), Dion

© BackpagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows will get the Carling Knockout quarterfinals underway with their clash at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on the evening of 3 November, kick-off at 7pm CAT, LIVE on SuperSport.

Form and team news

Sundowns and Arrows have had their cup tie brought forward to the midweek due to the Brazilians competing in the CAF Super Cup match against USM Alger on 8 November. Sundowns earned their place in the CKO quarterfinals with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants last midweek, and continued their momentum with a 4-1 triumph over Durban City in the Betway Premiership this past weekend.

Sundowns’ win over City featured goals from Thabang Matuludi (two), Iqraam Rayners and Antonio van Wyk, and ensured that they will sit at the top of the league table heading into the international break later this month (albeit having played a match more than nearest chasers Orlando Pirates).

Arrows’ place in the CKO quarterfinal was earned in style, as they crushed Chippa United 4-0 on 24 October. However, this past weekend they suffered a setback by losing 1-0 to Durban derby rivals AmaZulu in a Betway Premiership match.

Abafana Bes’thende have managed just one win from nine league matches and sit in 10th place on the log.

What the teams are saying

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso speaking after the weekend’s win over Durban City:

“We knew that would put strain on them [Durban City] so it was important to bring intensity, the intensity wasn’t to pick sometimes made us not have the fluidity we wanted, but also we wanted to put quick, to put stress on the opponent and we knew that we would have strength to finish the game in a better way.”

Golden Arrows coach Mandla Ncikazi on limited preparation time between matches:

“Now we have a challenge right now. When I started, I had time. Now, there’s not much time. We have another game on Tuesday [against Mamelodi Sundowns]. So we want to train certain aspects, but we are playing games. But that’s the responsibility of a coach.”

Players to watch

Mamelodi Sundowns – Thabang Matuludi

The former Polokwane City player is quickly becoming a cult hero with Sundowns, and further enhanced his reputation with two goals in their 4-1 win over Durban City this past weekend. The 27-year-old will hope to inspire another Brazilians win when they host Golden Arrows on Tuesday evening.

Golden Arrows – Ayanda Jiyane

Arrows may have suffered a defeat in the Durban derby this past weekend, but centre-back Ayanda Jiyane emerged from the match with great credit, having put in a resilient display. He will be further tested against Sundowns’ prolific attack at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday evening.

Head-to-Head

Sundowns and Arrows have met in 13 cup matches dating back as far as 2005/06. The Brazilians have claimed 10 wins compared to two for Abafana Bes’thende, while one game was drawn. The teams met in a cup tie earlier this season, playing to a 3-3 aggregate draw in a two-legged MTN8 semifinal – Sundowns advanced on the away goals rule.

Overall, the teams have met in 64 matches across all competitions dating back as far as 2000/01. Sundowns have claimed 37 wins compared to 13 for Arrows, while 14 games have been drawn.

Head-to-Head (Since 2000/01)

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

Season Cup Result Scorers

2005/06 Coca-Cola, 1st rd Sundowns 4-0 Arrows Chabangu 2, P. Ndlovu, Sapula

2005/06 Absa Cup, 1st rd Arrows 0-1 Sundowns Ngwenya

2007/08 Telkom KO, 1st rd Sundowns 3-0 Arrows Chabangu 2, Sheppard

2012/13 Nedbank Cup, 2nd rd Sundowns 1-0 Arrows Laffor

2013/14 Nedbank Cup, 2nd rd Arrows 1-4 Sundowns Shange; Wome, Mokoena, Laffor, Tau

2016/17 Nedbank Cup, 2nd rd Arrows 1-0 Sundowns Sibiya

2018/19 MTN8, qfinal Sundowns 2-0 Arrows Vilakazi, Arendse

2019/20 Telkom KO, sfinal Arrows 1-2 Sundowns Sibiya; Kekana, Sirino

2021/22 MTN8, sfinal, 1st leg Arrows 1-1 Sundowns N. Dlamini; Safranko

2021/22 MTN8, sfinal, 2nd leg Sundowns 3-0 Arrows Shalulile, Lunga, Maema

2024/25 Carling KO, 1st rd Sundowns 5-0 Arrows Morena, Rayners, Mvala, Shalulile, Lethlaku

2026/27 MTN8 sfinal 1st leg Sundowns 0-1 Arrows Dion

2026/27 MTN8 sfinal 2nd leg Arrows 2-3 Sundowns Dion, P. Khumalo; Mailula, Allende, Van Wyk

CUP RECORD

P W D L GF GA

Sundowns 13 10 1 2 29 7

Arrows 13 2 1 10 7 29

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2021/22 Sundowns 6-0 Arrows Sirino, Shalulile 3, Safranko, Erasmus

2022/23 Sundowns 2-1 Arrows Shalulile, Ndlovu (og); Mmodi

2022/23 Arrows 1-1 Sundowns Moon; Mbule

2023/24 Sundowns 4-0 Arrows Shalulile, Nku 2, Kekana

2023/24 Arrows 0-0 Sundowns

2024/25 Sundowns 4-0 Arrows Ribeiro (pen), Shalulile 2, Mokoena

2024/25 Arrows 1-1 Sundowns Phillips; Ribeiro (pen)

2025/26 Arrows 1-0 Sundowns Dion

2025/26 Sundowns 2-1 Arrows Mokoena, Rayners; Dion (pen)

2026/27 Arrows 1-2 Sundowns Dion; Ndlovu, T. Mokoena

OVERALL RECORD

P W D L GF GA

Sundowns 64 37 14 13 106 47

Arrows 64 13 14 37 47 106

Gavin Hunt © BackpagePix

Stellenbosch coach Gavin Hunt said the relentless rhythm of football means there was little time for his players to celebrate their away success in the Carling Knockout Cup on Wednesday, before moving onto the next assignment.

“Football is about moments, and we can enjoy the win for half an hour but then we have move on because we’ve got a game on Saturday,” said Hunt after they beat Durban City 2-0 at the Chatsworth Stadium.

“I have to think about ‘can I put a team out there?’ We are struggling with injuries, and I had to take off players. We’ll have to use our squad and try and take it from there.”

Stellenbosch will be returning to the Danie Craven Stadium for a match-up against Chippa United. It will be their first game at their home venue this season.

“I thought the guys we brought on (against Durban City) were excellent. Chumani (Butsaka), (Raoul) Daniels and Kazeem (Adeyanju) were really good and made the sort of impact who want from players that you bring on,” the coach added.

Stellenbosch won 2-0 with two late goals from Sinoxolo Kwayiba, the first set up by their new Nigerian left wing Kazeem on the counter attack.

After the match, Stellenbosch were drawn against AmaZulu in the quarterfinal but Hunt said he would not give that fixture any thought until after the weekend’s clash against Chippa. “We won’t have much time to train before we go again,” he told reporters.

“If we win, we can jump ourselves onto the top half of the league, but Chippa are obviously a good side so it’s not going to be easy.”

Going back to the Danie Craven Stadium will add pressure to his side, Hunt insisted. “It puts you under pressure doesn’t it because everyone expects you to win.”

© Gallo Images

There will be plenty of familiarity in the Carling Knockout quarterfinals after the draw was concluded on Wednesday, with a number of teams having already met several times this season.

All of the so-called ‘Big 3’ have home clashes with the seeding in the draw having kept them apart.

Kaizer Chiefs will host Siwelele, a team they beat 3-2 in September, and will be confident of reaching a first semifinal in the competition since 2019.

Defending champions Orlando Pirates welcome Sekhukhune United having already played them three times this season and won each game.

The sides clashed twice in the MTN8 semifinals and again in the league, all in the space of a week.

There is also a repeat of the other MTN8 semifinal from this season as Mamelodi Sundowns host Lamontville Golden Arrows in their Carling Knockout quarterfinal clash.

Golden Arrows won away at Sundowns in the first leg of that semifinal tie but were beaten 3-2 at home in the return as Sundowns advanced to the final, where they went on to lift the trophy.

The 2023 winners Stellenbosch FC will host AmaZulu in their quarterfinal clash after they reached the last 8 on Wednesday with a 2-0 win at Durban City.

A pair of late goals from Sinoxolo Kwayiba was enough to see them advance as the home side missed a host of chances.

CARLING KNOCKOUT QUARTERFINAL DRAW

Stellenbosch FC v AmaZulu

Orlando Pirates v Sekhukhune United

Kaizer Chiefs v Siwelele

Mamelodi Sundowns v Lamontville Golden Arrows