(The Post News)- Mamelodi Sundowns made a resounding statement in their 4-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium, securing their spot in the Carling Knockout semi-finals. This win comes on the heels of Sundowns’ missed opportunity at the MTN8 trophy, making their contention for the Carling Knockout Cup their primary focus for the season’s first silverware.
The match saw Sundowns establish early control, intensified after Chiefs were reduced to ten men. Iqraam Rayners opened the scoring with a penalty after Lucas Ribeiro Costa was fouled, followed by a second goal, solidifying Sundowns’ lead. Peter Shalulile extended their advantage before halftime, making it 3-0, and Khuliso Mudau sealed the victory with a fourth goal just after the hour mark.
Despite the decisive win, Sundowns’ coach Manqoba Mngqithi expressed dissatisfaction with his team’s performance, citing numerous missed scoring opportunities against their arch-rivals. This sentiment reflects Mngqithi’s high expectations for his team, emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on scoring chances.
Kaizer Chiefs faced significant challenges throughout the match, including the loss of captain Inacio Miguel, who received a second yellow card and was sent off. Additionally, Njabulo Blom suffered an injury, forcing his substitution with Nkosingphile Ngcobo. The intense atmosphere spilled into the crowd, with three pitch invasions and a Kaizer Chiefs fan attempting to confront Sundowns player Fiacre Ntwari.
Mamelodi Sundowns will join Richards Bay in the semi-finals, following their 5-4 penalty shootout win over Cape Town City. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the competition, with the semi-finals scheduled for November 9th and 10th, and the grand final on November 23rd.
About the Author
