Mamelodi Sundowns advanced to the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout Cup with a 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants.

This encounter was played at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, and Sundowns made sure they use they home ground advantage.

Siyanda Ndlovu scored the only goal of the game which proved to be difficult for the African champions on the night.

SUNDOWNS THROUGH, THANKS TO SIYANDA NDLOVU STUNNER

As expected, Sundowns dominated the first half in Tshwane, and they were rewarded in the 20th minute as Ndlovu fired in.

From then upwards, both teams created goalscoring chances but they could not covert them into goals.

In the second half, Sundowns made three changes with Marcelo Allende, Aubrey Modiba and Nuno Santos coming in.

And perhaps that was a strategic move by Sundowns to try and pin Gallants down as they were not giving up.

A number of goalscoring chances were created by both sides but in the end, Sundowns walked away victorious.

STARTING XI: SUNDOWNS VS MARUMO GALLANTS

Sundowns starting XI: Goss, Morena, Basadien, Khoza, Mvala, Cele, Mkhulise, Ndlovu, Van Wyk, Sales, Rayners.

Gallants starting XI: Mlambo, Manku, Ntiya-Ntiya, Rikhotso, Motsoeneng, Pheeha, Ndlondlo, Seketso, Ncube, Ndlovu, Sihlali.