Marumo Gallants claimed their first ever victory over Mamelodi Sundowns, winning 7-6 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes of football in their Carling Knockout encounter at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday.
Sundowns fell on penalties for the second time this season after losing to Orlando Pirates in a shootout in the MTN8 semifinals at the same venue.
Gallants remain unbeaten against Sundowns this season after beating the club for the first time, having drawn 1-1 with the Brazilian in their Betway Premiership encounter on 17 September.
New Sundowns signing from Portugal Miguel Reisinho had a debut to forget as he lasted just six minutes on the pitch after being subbed on, earning a red card.
Gallants had debutants of their own as 19-year-old Ivorian Agnikoi Eroine and his countryman Ibrahim Bancé both played their first game for Bahlabane ba Ntwa.
Tashreeq Matthews started hot for Sundowns, squaring himself and shooting from just beyond the area in the 11th minute, but he could not find the target.
Aubrey Modiba’s cross at the byline in the 17th minute caused chaos in the Gallants box. The ball eventually fell for Nuno Santos, whose shot was blocked by a wall of Galants defenders.
Matthews cut onto his right foot at the edge of the area in the 24th minute, but his effort sailed wide.
Mpho Chabatsane took a crack at goal from distance in the 32nd minute. His shot had the power but not the direction and did not trouble Ronwen Williams in goal.
In the 35th minute, Williams played a dangerous long-ball through for Iqraam Rayners. Sekela Sithole attempted to intercept the ball and missed it completely, forcing goalkeeper Washington Arubi to leave the box but he missed the ball as well. Luckily for Gallants, substitute Khumbulani Ncube cleared the ball before Rayners could reach it.
Despite having 70 per cent possession in the first half, Sundowns could not manage a shot on target as Galants proved to be difficult to break down.
Sundowns continued searching for an opener and nearly found one in the 49th minute. Marcelo Allende’s shot was blocked, with the rebound falling for Khuliso Mudau. The right back hastily flashed the ball wide from close range.
Arubi was nearly caught out in the 50th minute as Arthur Sales’ effort was blocked by Ncube, sending the goalkeeper diving the wrong way as the ball bounced just wide.
In the 65th minute, Arubi dived to deny Modiba’s freekick and the rebound fell to Malibongwe Khoza. The 21-year-old failed to grab a second goal in as many games, missing the follow-up.
Rayners found the target with a header in the 68th minute from Allende’s freekick, but was rightly judged to be offside.
Rayners cut inside on the edge of the area and had his effort sent wide by the head of Marvin Sikhosana in the 72nd minute.
Substitute Teboho Mokoena nearly put the hosts ahead in the 81st minute, hitting the crossbar from Allende’s corner, bouncing the ball too hard off the deck and hitting the woodwork.
The Brazilians were reduced to 10 men in the 85th minute as debutant Reisinho received a straight red card for his challenge on Siyabonga Nhlapo.
With neither side able to break the deadlock, the game went to extra time.
In the 96th minute, Modiba was dispossessed by Jaisen Clifford after a heavy touch, who fed fellow substitute Kamohelo Sithole through on goal. However, Sithole could not find the target with Mosa Lebusa draped on him.
With no player able to produce a winner, proceedings moved to a penalty shootout to decide the winner.
Allende took Masandawana’s first attempt and was denied by Arubi’s legs but Williams returned the favour, stopping Clifford’s attempt to put Gallants ahead.
Arubi denied Sundowns second attempt from Fawaaz Basadien, while Simo Luthuli sent Williams the wrong way to score.
All subsequent players converted until Sithole who was stopped by Williams, pulling Sundowns level.
After another six successful penalties, Arubi denied Mosa Lebusa before scoring himself to send last year’s runners-up out of the tournament.
Mamelodi Sundowns 0
Marumo Gallants 0
After extra time, Gallants won 7-6 on penalties
Mamelodi Sundowns: R. Williams, B. Aubaas (T. Mokoena 61’), K. Cupido (M. Lebusa 89’), M. Khoza, A. Modiba, M. Allende, K. Mudau (T. Morena 99’), T. Matthews (F. Basadien 89’), N. Santos, A. Sales (M. Reisinho 79’), I. Rayners (P. Shalulile 89’)
Marumo Gallants: W. Arubi, M. Sikhosana, M. Chabatsane, S. Nhlapo, T. Motloung (D. Msendami 64’), E. Agnikoi, B. Mabuza (S. Luthuli 118’), N. Ndlondlo (J. Clifford 64’), D. James (K. Ncube 35’), S. Sithole (M. Mpambaniso 78’), I. Bancé (K. Sithole 77’)
