Mamelodi Sundowns are eyeing a repeat in a new knockout competition against Lamontville Golden Arrows when they host them on Tuesday night at Loftus Versfeld. Following their semifinal triumph against the Durban-based in the MTN8, Masandawana enter the Carling Knockout Cup tie holding the psychological edge.
To advance to the quarterfinals of the competition, Bafana Ba Style had to overcome a challenging opponent in Marumo Gallants in the Round of 16. A goal from Siyanda Ndlovu saw the Pretoria-based side advancing to the quarterfinals of the Cup competition.
Masandawana’s run of form in domestic competitions have been positive this season and on Tuesday, they’ll look to advance to the next round and hopefully go on to win a cup they last lifted in 2021. Looking ahead to the fixture, forward, Iqraam Rayners upbeat his side can beat Arrows.
“Knockout games are always difficult to play because you don’t know what to expect from the other teams but for us, we know how to win games like these, especially when it becomes difficult. We have analysed and prepared for the game. I hope it’s enough to take us to the semifinals.”
Abafana Bes’thende, on the other hand, beat Chippa United with an emphatic 4-0 to advance to the next round. Rayners admitted it won’t be an easy game for both sides. He is, however, positive that Bafana Ba Style can outclass the KwaZulu-Natal outfit.
“We have to make sure we punish them early. Once we score first, we know the game will open up and win the game. We know teams become more difficult when they play against Sundowns. We just have to be mentally prepared for the challenge and work as hard as possible to get the desired result,” he said.
Mamelodi Sundowns will host Lamontville Golden Arrows on Tuesday night at Loftus Versfeld. The Carling Knockout Cup clash is set to kick-off at 19H00, live on SuperSport TV.
