By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Mamelodi Sundowns secured a hard-fought 1-0 against Golden Arrows at the Loftus Versfeld to book a place in the semifinals of the Carling Knockout.
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 he was unable to take advantage.
Arrows began to find their confidence with Nhlanhla Gasa and Ayabulela Maxwele combining to good effect in the 23rd minute, but the latter was denied by an unconvincing save from Ricardo Goss.
In 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 through 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 Dumisani 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.