Fawaaz Basadien of Mamelodi Sundowns challenged by Samkele Sihlali of Marumo Gallants during the Carling Knockout Cup last 16 match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Image: BackpagePix

It is nowhere near full consolation, but Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso could breathe a sigh of relief. His side managed to pull themselves out of the dark hole of that shock Friday night defeat, edging lowly Marumo Gallants 1-0 at Loftus to squeeze into the Carling Knockout quarter-finals.

Sundowns were dumped out in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League after a 1-1 draw against Angola’s Wiliete SC on Friday, ending their dream of defending the continental crown they lifted last season.

That result was a bitter pill to swallow for the Tshwane giants. Conquering Africa was their main target this season, even after already bagging the MTN8 and the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup.

Right after Friday’s heartbreak, Cardoso challenged his boys to show some character against Gallants in the last 16.

Things looked bright early on when Siyanda Ndlovu banged home the opener in the 20th minute. Still, the rhythm just wasn't up to normal Sundowns' standards, and you could see the lack of cohesion. That forced Cardoso to call on his usual suspects at half-time, throwing on Aubrey Modiba and Marcelo Allende for Fawaaz Basadien and Thabo Cele.

It is fair to note other changes in the starting lineup as Ricardo Goss started in goals with Mothobi Mvala captaining the side.

Weekend Carling KO Recap

Kruger United 0–1 AmaZulu FC

Arthur Zwane’s Usuthu side showed great discipline on the road on Sunday, doing just enough to edge past a gritty Kruger United 1-0.

Lamontville Golden Arrows 4–0 Chippa United

Golden Arrows put on the show of the weekend at King Zwelithini Stadium, dishing out a proper 4-0 thrashing to Chippa United.

Polokwane City 0–0 Siwelele FC (Siwelele won 4–3 on penalties)

After a tense, goalless 120 minutes of football at Peter Mokaba Stadium, Siwelele kept their cool in the shootout to take it 4-3 and book their spot in the last eight.

Sekhukhune United 3–1 Richards Bay

Sekhukhune United punched their ticket to the next round with a lively second-half showing to see off Richards Bay 3-1.

Tinkler or Hunt in the Quarter-Finals

On Wednesday night, Eric Tinkler’s men welcome Gavin Hunt’s Stellenbosch FC to Chatsworth Stadium for their last-16 battle — a clash loaded with personal history, old grudges, and genuine knockout pedigree.