Downs Dazzle in 4-0 Win at the Calabash

Mamelodi Sundowns’ relentless approach has won them the Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinals after defeating Kaizer Chiefs a lopsided 4-0 in a sold-out affair at the FNB Stadium on Saturday evening.

It was with no doubt that coach Manqoba Mngqithi assembled a very strong team to ensure that his charges advance to the semifinals of the competition. They made their intentions very clear in the first stanza and looked confident on the ball.

Masandawana made more box entries in the early stages of the match. They saw the first big chance inside ten minutes from Iqraam Rayners, who was voted the man of the match, but his attempt hit outside of the woodwork.

That was a warning shot from the visitors because three more clear-cut chances came from them. They looked threatening in the hosts’ box that the hosts fouled Peter Shalulile in the box, forcing the referee to point on the spot. The penalty kick was taken by Rayners on the 14^th minute, to break the deadlock. Amakhosi made a quick response but luck was on Downs’ side as the ball was quickly cleared away.

Seven minutes later, a goal to double their advantage would be seen from Rayners. Khuliso Mudau had attempted to slot one in, but his opportunity was cleared. Iqraam was quick to find the ball and with composure, he shot it straight into the net, making it look easy.

Bafana Ba Style were capitalising on the mistakes their hosts were making in the area. Shalulile’s quick attack after capitalising on Chiefs’ mistake saw him almost make it three for his team, but the goalie blocked the chance with his leg to clear the ball.

A big chance came for the Glamour Boys on the right flank but Mothobi Mvala came out to clear it. Chiefs found the ball again but couldn’t connect well to slot one in.

After consistently knocking on the door, the third goal finally came through Shalulile. They made the build up from the wide area look easy as Aubrey Modiba made a cross to Shalulile who just redirected the ball to the net.

Masandawana were not satisfied and they were confident they would get more goals because Lucas Ribeiro, who played a crucial role in the front, made a shot but it rattled the woodwork for the score to remain at 3-0.

In the eight minutes of stoppage time, the hosts looked a bit threatening, but the Downs’ rearguard was too strong as they held on to the lead at the break.

Upon return of play, Masandawana looked to extend their lead, despite having killed the game in the first half. With a big chance from Shalulile on the horizon, he was fouled just outside the box, earning Chiefs a red card to see them remain with ten men. This saw Chiefs react immediately with a threatening opportunity in the box but Williams lowered himself to the right to catch the shot.

To close off the proceedings, Mudau made it four on the 60^th minute. He jabbed it over the goalkeeper to fire it into the net, after a beautiful delivery from Ribeiro. The home side were not able to keep up with the speedy attack by the Brazilians and were unable to break the backline which was denying them late goals.

The win at the Calabash means that Masandawna are through to the Carling Knockout Cup semifinal round. They will have to wait for Sunday night to learn of their opponent.

How we lined up: Williams, Modiba, Mvala, Kekana, Mudau, Mokoena, Aubaas, Allende, Rayners, Ribeiro, Shalulile.

Subs: Onyango, Lunga, Khoza, Mkhulise, Maema, Morena, Maseko, Letlhaku, Sales.