Sundowns, Arrows get Carling Knockout quarterfinals underway

Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows will get the Carling Knockout quarterfinals underway with their clash at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on the evening of 3 November, kick-off at 7pm CAT, LIVE on SuperSport.

Form and team news

Sundowns and Arrows have had their cup tie brought forward to the midweek due to the Brazilians competing in the CAF Super Cup match against USM Alger on 8 November. Sundowns earned their place in the CKO quarterfinals with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants last midweek, and continued their momentum with a 4-1 triumph over Durban City in the Betway Premiership this past weekend.

Sundowns’ win over City featured goals from Thabang Matuludi (two), Iqraam Rayners and Antonio van Wyk, and ensured that they will sit at the top of the league table heading into the international break later this month (albeit having played a match more than nearest chasers Orlando Pirates).

Arrows’ place in the CKO quarterfinal was earned in style, as they crushed Chippa United 4-0 on 24 October. However, this past weekend they suffered a setback by losing 1-0 to Durban derby rivals AmaZulu in a Betway Premiership match.

Abafana Bes’thende have managed just one win from nine league matches and sit in 10th place on the log.

What the teams are saying

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso speaking after the weekend’s win over Durban City:

“We knew that would put strain on them [Durban City] so it was important to bring intensity, the intensity wasn’t to pick sometimes made us not have the fluidity we wanted, but also we wanted to put quick, to put stress on the opponent and we knew that we would have strength to finish the game in a better way.”

Golden Arrows coach Mandla Ncikazi on limited preparation time between matches:

“Now we have a challenge right now. When I started, I had time. Now, there’s not much time. We have another game on Tuesday [against Mamelodi Sundowns]. So we want to train certain aspects, but we are playing games. But that’s the responsibility of a coach.”

Players to watch

Mamelodi Sundowns – Thabang Matuludi

The former Polokwane City player is quickly becoming a cult hero with Sundowns, and further enhanced his reputation with two goals in their 4-1 win over Durban City this past weekend. The 27-year-old will hope to inspire another Brazilians win when they host Golden Arrows on Tuesday evening.

Golden Arrows – Ayanda Jiyane

Arrows may have suffered a defeat in the Durban derby this past weekend, but centre-back Ayanda Jiyane emerged from the match with great credit, having put in a resilient display. He will be further tested against Sundowns’ prolific attack at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday evening.

Head-to-Head

Sundowns and Arrows have met in 13 cup matches dating back as far as 2005/06. The Brazilians have claimed 10 wins compared to two for Abafana Bes’thende, while one game was drawn. The teams met in a cup tie earlier this season, playing to a 3-3 aggregate draw in a two-legged MTN8 semifinal – Sundowns advanced on the away goals rule.

Overall, the teams have met in 64 matches across all competitions dating back as far as 2000/01. Sundowns have claimed 37 wins compared to 13 for Arrows, while 14 games have been drawn.

Head-to-Head (Since 2000/01)

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

Season Cup Result Scorers

2005/06 Coca-Cola, 1st rd Sundowns 4-0 Arrows Chabangu 2, P. Ndlovu, Sapula

2005/06 Absa Cup, 1st rd Arrows 0-1 Sundowns Ngwenya

2007/08 Telkom KO, 1st rd Sundowns 3-0 Arrows Chabangu 2, Sheppard

2012/13 Nedbank Cup, 2nd rd Sundowns 1-0 Arrows Laffor

2013/14 Nedbank Cup, 2nd rd Arrows 1-4 Sundowns Shange; Wome, Mokoena, Laffor, Tau

2016/17 Nedbank Cup, 2nd rd Arrows 1-0 Sundowns Sibiya

2018/19 MTN8, qfinal Sundowns 2-0 Arrows Vilakazi, Arendse

2019/20 Telkom KO, sfinal Arrows 1-2 Sundowns Sibiya; Kekana, Sirino

2021/22 MTN8, sfinal, 1st leg Arrows 1-1 Sundowns N. Dlamini; Safranko