Marumo Gallants Pull Off Stunning Upset: Beat Mamelodi Sundowns 7-6 on Penalties in Carling Knockout Thriller
Pretoria – In a massive shock for South African football fans, Marumo Gallants knocked out last year’s Carling Knockout finalists Mamelodi Sundowns with a dramatic 7-6 penalty win after a goalless 120 minutes at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday night. This marks Gallants’ first-ever victory over the Brazilians, keeping them unbeaten against Sundowns this season after their 1-1 league draw on 17 September.
The result sends Gallants into the quarter-finals, while Sundowns crash out of yet another cup competition on penalties – their second such loss this season after falling to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-finals at the same venue. Veteran Zimbabwean goalkeeper Washington Arubi, aged 40, stole the show with three crucial saves and coolly slotting home the winning spot-kick himself. It’s a bitter pill for Sundowns, who dominated possession but failed to break down a stubborn Gallants defence.
This upset highlights the unpredictable nature of cup football, with Gallants avenging last year’s semi-final loss to Sundowns in the same tournament. As the Betway Premiership champions lick their wounds, Gallants celebrate a historic night that boosts their confidence ahead of more league action.
Key Moments from a Tense Encounter
The game started with Sundowns on the front foot. Tashreeq Matthews looked lively early on, cutting in and firing a shot from just outside the box in the 11th minute, but it went wide. He tormented Gallants’ right-back Doudy James so much that the defender was subbed off after just 35 minutes for Khumbulani Ncube.
In the 17th minute, Aubrey Modiba’s cross from the byline caused panic in the Gallants box, with the ball falling to Nuno Santos, whose effort was blocked by a sea of defenders. Matthews tried again in the 24th minute, switching to his right foot at the edge of the area, but his shot sailed off target.
Gallants had their chances too. Mpho Chabatsane tested Ronwen Williams from long range in the 32nd minute – powerful but wayward. Then, in the 35th minute, Williams played a risky long ball for Iqraam Rayners. Sekela Sithole missed his interception, and Arubi rushed out but also fluffed it. Luckily, Ncube cleared before Rayners could pounce.
Despite holding 70 per cent possession in the first half, Sundowns failed to register a single shot on target, as Gallants stayed compact and hard to crack.
The second half saw more pressure from the hosts. In the 49th minute, Marcelo Allende’s shot was blocked, and the rebound fell to Khuliso Mudau, who blasted wide from close range. A minute later, Arthur Sales’ effort was deflected by Ncube, wrong-footing Arubi but going just wide.
Arubi shone in the 65th minute, diving to save Modiba’s free-kick, with the rebound falling to 21-year-old Malibongwe Khoza, who missed his chance for a second goal in as many games. Rayners thought he had broken the deadlock with a header from Allende’s free-kick in the 68th minute, but it was ruled offside.
Rayners cut inside and saw his 72nd-minute shot deflected wide by Marvin Sikhosana’s head. Substitute Teboho Mokoena nearly scored in the 81st minute, heading Allende’s corner onto the crossbar after a heavy bounce.
Drama peaked in the 85th minute when new Portuguese signing Miguel Reisinho, on for just six minutes on his debut, received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Siyabonga Nhlapo, leaving Sundowns with 10 men.
Extra time brought more tension. In the 96th minute, Modiba’s heavy touch led to him being dispossessed by substitute Jaisen Clifford, who set up Kamohelo Sithole. But Sithole fired wide under pressure from Mosa Lebusa. With no goals after 120 minutes, the match went to penalties – a nightmare repeat for Sundowns.
Penalty Shootout Heartbreak for Sundowns
The shootout was a rollercoaster. Allende’s first kick for Sundowns was saved by Arubi’s legs, but Williams denied Clifford to keep it level. Arubi then stopped Fawaaz Basadien’s effort, while Simo Luthuli sent Williams the wrong way to put Gallants ahead.
The next penalties were converted until Kamohelo Sithole’s was saved by Williams, tying things up. After six more successful kicks, Arubi denied Lebusa before stepping up to score the winner himself, sealing a 7-6 triumph. Arubi’s heroics – three saves and the decisive goal – made him the undisputed star, proving age is no barrier in football.
Debuts and Tactical Insights
Gallants handed debuts to 19-year-old Ivorian Agnikoi Eroine and compatriot Ibrahim Bancé, both impressing in their first outing for Bahlabane ba Ntwa. Under French coach Alexandre Lafitte, Gallants showed grit, defending resolutely while countering when possible.
For Sundowns, new coach Miguel Cardoso will rue missed chances despite his side’s control. They played with energy but lacked the killer instinct. Reisinho’s red card debut was one to forget, adding to the frustration. Sundowns have now been a shadow of their dominant selves, struggling in cups despite their league prowess.
Lineups and Substitutions
Mamelodi Sundowns: R. Williams, B. Aubaas (T. Mokoena 61’), K. Cupido (M. Lebusa 89’), M. Khoza, A. Modiba, M. Allende, K. Mudau (T. Morena 99’), T. Matthews (F. Basadien 89’), N. Santos, A. Sales (M. Reisinho 79’), I. Rayners (P. Shalulile 89’)
Marumo Gallants: W. Arubi, M. Sikhosana, M. Chabatsane, S. Nhlapo, T. Motloung (D. Msendami 64’), E. Agnikoi, B. Mabuza (S. Luthuli 118’), N. Ndlondlo (J. Clifford 64’), D. James (K. Ncube 35’), S. Sithole (M. Mpambaniso 78’), I. Bancé (K. Sithole 77’)
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