Mamelodi Sundowns bounced back from their shock CAF Champions League elimination with a narrow 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout.
The Brazilians were knocked out of the continental competition by Angolan side Wiliete SC, prompting head coach Miguel Cardoso to make several changes to his starting line-up for Tuesday’s encounter.
Siyanda Ndlovu proved to be the difference at Loftus Versfeld, finding the back of the net in the 20th minute with a clinical finish to secure Sundowns a place in the quarter-finals.
Speaking after the match, Cardoso acknowledged that his team was not at its best but praised the players for showing character to secure an important victory following their disappointing continental exit.
“We started well, but then we also made life difficult for ourselves,” Cardoso explained, as quoted by IOL.
READ: CARLING KNOCKOUT: Mamelodi Sundowns Edge Marumo Gallants to Book Quarter-Final Spot
The Portuguese coach also highlighted the emotional challenge of returning to action so soon after their Champions League disappointment.
“But I hope people understand what it is to play a match after an emotional moment we lived together. In one match we played much better, but we didn’t win and we got knocked out of the Champions League.
“I recognise that it was not a fantastic match (on Tuesday night), but it was proof of character that we have to win a match, close it and move forward.
“It is a very difficult and emotional moment we lived through, but it is an important victory to move forward,” he said.
In a match defined by grit and tactical discipline, Gavin Hunt’s Durban City locked horns with the co-managed Kaizer Chiefs duo, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.
Read: Miguel Cardoso gives update on Themba Zwane recovery
Both teams carved out opportunities in a cagey contest, but it was Flavio Silva’s late strike that ultimately broke the deadlock and proved decisive.
Chiefs started brightly, with Makabi Lilepo and Mfundo Vilakazi both testing Darren Keet early on, while City’s Mfanafuthi Mkhize fired narrowly over following a set piece.
The first half ended goalless despite half-chances at both ends, including a fine save by Keet from Vilakazi’s long-range effort just before the break.
The second half continued in similar fashion, with City pushing forward through Bokang Mokwena and Fezile Gcaba, while Chiefs gradually took control after a string of substitutions.
The introduction of Gaston Sirino added creativity, and the Uruguayan made an instant impact when his pinpoint cross found Silva in the 88th minute. The Portuguese striker rose highest to glance his header into the top corner, sending the travelling fans into raptures.
Durban City threw everything forward in the closing moments, with Letsie Koapeng forcing a fine save and Kyle Jurgens missing a late chance to equalise.
But Chiefs’ defence, marshalled by Inacio Miguel and Bradley Cross, held firm to secure a hard-fought clean sheet.
The victory lifts Chiefs to third in the standings on 19 points from 10 matches. Durban City, meanwhile, drop to fifth with 15 points from 11 games.
It was a reminder that Chiefs, despite their recent inconsistency, remain one of the Premiership’s most dangerous sides when it matters most.