Marumo Gallants stun Sundowns in epic Carling Knockout penalty drama
Marumo Gallants goalie, Washington Arubi in celebration after securing next round for his team via penalties. Photo Credit- Goal.com
In a nail-biting Carling Knockout round of 16 clash at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday, October 4, 2025, Marumo Gallants orchestrated one of the tournament’s greatest upsets by eliminating Mamelodi Sundowns 7-6 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes of football. The match, which stretched to over two hours and 40 minutes, saw the defending finalists from last season dominate possession with 74-76% throughout but fail to convert chances into goals, leaving coach Miguel Cardoso’s side ruing their lack of clinical edge. Gallants, coached by Dan Malesela, frustrated the Sundowns with a compact defensive setup, putting 11 men behind the ball during attacks and forcing Sundowns into a subdued first half without a single shot on target. Tashreeq Matthews terrorized Gallants right-back James Doudy, leading to his early withdrawal around the 30-minute mark, while Sundowns’ debutant Miguel Reisinho lasted just eight minutes before a reckless tackle earned him a straight red card in the 87th minute, reducing the hosts to 10 men.
The game unfolded as a tactical stalemate, with Sundowns probing patiently but Gallants holding firm. Early on, Matthews teed up Aubrey Modiba in the 7th minute, only for the pass to be intercepted, and a 25th-minute effort from Matthews sailed high. Gallants’ first real threat came in the 22nd minute via a poorly finished cross, while Ndlondlo was flagged offside in the 28th. Possession stats underscored Sundowns’ control, 76% at the 34th minute, but Arubi in the Gallants goal remained untested. The second half brought flickers of danger: Marcelo Allende’s deflected shot looped to Aubrey Mudau in the 49th minute, who fired into the side netting; Iqraam Rayners’ 70th-minute strike was deflected wide by Thapelo Sikhosana; and a 82nd-minute Mokoena header from Allende’s corner was cleared off the line. Substitutions injected energy; Teboho Mokoena for Marcelo Aubaas (61′), Thabo Clifford for Lesego Ndlondlo (64′), and Thapelo Mphambaniso for Sekgalaole Bance (76′), but neither side could break the deadlock, forcing extra time where Sundowns looked more threatening without a breakthrough.
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The penalty shootout became a marathon of misses and heroics, with the first three kicks all saved: Arubi denied Allende, Ronwen Williams stopped Clifford’s poor effort, and Arubi again foiled Aubrey Basadien. Gallants edged ahead through Thabo Mbhele, but Sundowns leveled via Modiba and Peter Shalulile. Clinical strikes from Thabo Eroine (2-1), Msendami (3-2), Nuno Santos (3-3), and a miss by Thabo Sithole (still 3-3) led to sudden death. Gallants’ Simo Luthuli broke the tie in the fourth round, but Sundowns responded with Mokoena, Morena, Mosa Lebusa (saved), and Lyle Khoza to force 6-6. Siyabonga Nhlapo equalized for Gallants, and in the decider, Arubi’s save on Grant Lebusa was followed by the veteran goalkeeper’s winning strike past Williams, sparking wild celebrations. Washington Arubi’s three saves and decisive penalty crowned him man of the match, as Gallants advanced to the quarter-finals, leaving Sundowns to reflect on their cup woes amid a season of inconsistent results.
FAQs on Marumo Gallants victory in Carling knockout
What was the final result of the Mamelodi Sundowns vs Marumo Gallants Carling Knockout match?
Marumo Gallants won 7-6 on penalties after a 0-0 draw through extra time, eliminating Sundowns in the round of 16.
Who was the hero for Marumo Gallants in the penalty shootout?
Goalkeeper Washington Arubi saved three penalties, including the decisive one from Grant Lebusa, and scored the winning kick himself.
Why were Sundowns reduced to 10 men during the game?
Substitute Miguel Reisinho received a straight red card in the 87th minute for a reckless tackle on Siyabonga Nhlapo.
How did Sundowns perform in terms of possession and chances?
Sundowns held 74-76% possession but created few clear chances, with no shots on target in the first half and key efforts like Mokoena’s header cleared off the line.
What are the upcoming Carling Knockout fixtures mentioned?
Sunday’s games include Stellenbosch FC vs Kaizer Chiefs (15:00), Richards Bay vs Chippa United (15:00), and AmaZulu vs Magesi FC (18:00).
