Late goals and penalty heroics mark Carling Cup Round of 16

WHAT a sporting weekend it’s already been for SA sports fans, and there’s still an entire Sunday of spills, thrills and action ahead. From rugby to cricket, on to netball and Formula One, there’s enough to keep couch coaches screaming at their teams and players; it’s truly a supporter’s delight.

On the local soccer front SA football fans are enjoying the thrills of the Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 that delivered drama, upsets, and last-minute heroics on Saturday, October 4, as four fixtures produced memorable results across the country.

Marumo Gallants Topple Sundowns

The biggest shock came at Lucas Moripe Stadium, where Marumo Gallants defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 7-6 on penalties after a 120-minute goalless draw. Sundowns, last year’s finalists, dominated possession — reaching 70% in the first half — but could not break down Gallants’ defence.

Khuliso Mudau, Arthur Sales, Aubrey Modiba, and Iqraam Rayners all missed chances in the second half, while substitute Teboho Mokoena hit the crossbar with a header late in regulation. Sundowns’ new Portuguese signing, Miguel Reisinho, was sent off in the 85th minute after just six to eight minutes on the pitch for a reckless tackle on Siyabonga Nhlapo.

Forty-year-old Zimbabwean goalkeeper Washington Arubi proved the hero in the shootout, saving early attempts from Marcello Allende and Fawaaz Basadien, then denying Mosa Lebusa during sudden death. 

Arubi converted the decisive seventh penalty past Ronwen Williams to clinch a historic victory for Gallants.

Golden Arrows Stage Second-Half Comeback

In Durban, Golden Arrows overturned a first-half deficit to beat Sekhukhune United 3-1 at King Zwelithini Stadium. Sekhukhune had taken the lead in first-half stoppage time through Bradley Grobler.

Arrows responded immediately after half-time. Jerome Karelse equalised in the 57th minute, Ayabulela Maxwele put them ahead six minutes later, and Ayanda Jiyane sealed the 3-1 win in the 72nd minute after another defensive lapse from Sekhukhune goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata.

Late Goals Secure Pirates and Galaxy Wins

Orlando Pirates extended their unbeaten streak to 11 games with a 1-0 win over Siwelele at Orlando Stadium. Despite missing an early penalty through Evidence Makgopa, defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi struck a long-range winner in the 87th minute.

TS Galaxy also needed late intervention to advance, edging Orbit College 1-0 after extra time at Olympia Park. Substitute Mehdi Ouamri scored in the 109th minute, after both Mlungisi Mbunjana and Puso Dithejane had seen earlier attempts blocked by the woodwork.

Sunday Fixtures Set to Continue the Drama

The Carling Knockout Cup action continues on Sunday, October 5. At Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, AmaZulu FC face defending champions Magesi FC at 6pm. AmaZulu are reportedly chasing their first cup in 33 years.

At the same time, Richards Bay host Chippa United at Richards Bay Stadium with a 3pm kick-off. In Cape Town, Stellenbosch FC take on Kaizer Chiefs at DHL Stadium, also at 3pm. These matches complete the Round of 16 and will determine the quarter-final line-up.

After Saturday’s drama, fans can expect more tight contests, late goals, and potential upsets as the Carling Knockout Cup moves closer to the business end of the competition.