Mamelodi Sundowns Knocked Out of Carling Knockout Cup After Losing to Marumo Gallants
- Mamelodi Sundowns have crashed out of the Carling Knockout Cup after a home defeat against Marumo Gallants on Saturday evening
- The Brazilians had one of their summer signings sent off in the match as they ended up losing on penalties
- Masandawana supporters shared their thoughts about their team's elimination from the cup competition on social media
Mamelodi Sundowns have been knocked out of the Carling Knockout Cup after Marumo Gallants pulled off a historic upset by defeating the Tshwane Giants 7–6 on penalties, recording their first-ever win over last year’s finalists at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday, 4 October 2025.
Source: Getty Images
New signing this summer, Reisinho, made the bench for the first time since joining the Pretoria side and was later introduced in the second half, while Keanu Cupido returned to the starting line-up after some time away from the team.
Sundowns’ poor outings in local cup competitions continue as they will focus more on the CAF Champions League and the Betway Premiership this season, but they still have the Nedbank Cup to play for in this campaign.
Gallants defeat Sundowns in Carling Knockout Cup
Mamelodi Sundowns failed to create clear-cut chances despite dominating the first half in terms of possession, with Tashreeq Matthews being one of the standout players.
After the break, the home side pushed harder for a goal, with Khuliso Mudau narrowly missing the target before Arthur Sales saw his deflected shot flash just wide a few minutes later.
Miguel Cardoso’s side’s best chance in the second half came five minutes after the hour mark when Washington Arubi produced a fine save to deny Aubrey Modiba, while Malibongwe Khoza blazed the rebound over the bar.
Masandawana thought they had taken the lead soon after, but Iqraam Rayners’ strike was ruled out for offside. Former SuperSport United midfielder Teboho Mokoena then came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock with a header that struck the crossbar in the 80th minute.
Source: Getty Images
Sundowns’ situation turned from bad to worse as they were reduced to ten men when debutant Reisinho received a red card just six minutes into his first appearance for the Brazilians.
In the end, Gallants held firm through extra time and triumphed in the shootout, sealing a memorable victory that will go down as one of the biggest upsets of the season and also in the history of the Carling Knockout Cup.
Sundowns supporters shared their thoughts after their club was knocked out of the competition on social media.
George2Ko shared:
"Cardoso lost all possible cups plus the league is basically slipping away. Also lost his best player Ribeiro, and ya'll still want to give him time. Aii mina, I'm not coming with y'all.🙌🏾😂
DownsInternatnl commented:
"Those that demonised us when we called out Miguel all in the name of appearing “rational” must come out and defend his record … 4 cups gone under him,hope we are all happy now!🤷🏾♂️🙂"
aey_dear said:
"Miguel Cardoso is not a bad coach, he just needs some time. Let us be patient with him, Masandawana, rome was not built in one day, and we are not definitely building it with him."
Mthobeli Langa wrote:
"Is the management really keeping this coach? Manqoba and Rhulani were fired for far superior results than this guy. Why are we keeping him?"
Ntate Paballo💛👆🏾 added:
"We don’t want to hear stories. Manqoba got fired for losing the cup final, this one didn’t even make it past the first round. Tlhopie must act right or give the club back to his father.😏"
Sundowns snubbed among favourites to win CKO
Briefly News also reported that a pundit snubbed Sundowns while listing the favourite teams to win the Carling Knockout Cup this season.
The sports analyst also explained why he didn't include Sundowns in the list.
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Source: Briefly News
