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Sundowns book Carling Knockout final spot

Mamelodi Sundowns booked their spot in the Carling Knockout final with a 2-0 win over Marumo Gallants on Sunday afternoon.

Lucas Ribeiro, Iqraam Rayners, Teboho Mokoena were all restored by Masandawana following the 2-0 win over Polokwane City on Wednesday evening.

Sundowns didn't exert loads of pressure earlier on and needed the reflexes of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to guide a swerving effort from Daniel Msendami.

Ribeiro, who was pivotal in last weekend's drubbing off Kaizer Chiefs in the last eight, enjoyed lots of the ball earlier on and looked to carve openings.

The momentum constantly shifted in the opening-quarter with Williams brought to work again to repel a strong header from the area to leave matters goalless.

Gallants were energised after the halftime break and pushed to get ahead very early in the resumption, but were contained by the Tshwane giants.

Masandawana did go one better in the 52nd minute when Ribeiro send a cheeky effort from the penalty spot in the top corner with Lebogang Mabotja conceding by using his hand.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa still pushed forward despite as Monde Mphambaniso snapped a first-time shot from the area narrowly adrift the top corner.

More chances came for the host a little later with a turnover leading to a first-time pass for Thapelo Dhludlu to go one-on-one with Williams, but the latter came out tops.

Letlhaku came off the bench towards the last ten minutes as well as Arthur Sales – with the duo replacing Peter Shalulile and Rayners.

Sundowns wrapped up the contest in added time when substitute Neo Maema got hold of a loose ball on the near side of the box and slammed in the top corner.

Next up for the men from Tshwane lies the giant killers Magesi FC in the final of this tournament in two weeks time.

Confirmed line ups:

Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Sikhosana, Mabotja, Nthatheni, Sithole, Msendami, Dhludhlu, Manaka, Shai, Mphambaniso, Khumalo

Subs: Mlambo, Rikhotso, Chabatsane, Nange, Nemtajela, Mhango, Nhlapo, Prins, Wagaba

Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Kekana, Aubaas, Mvala, Mudau, Modiba, Mokoena, Allende, Ribeiro, Rayners, Shalulile

Subs: Onyango, Lebusa, Morena, Mashego, Maboe, Mkhulise, Maema, Letlhaku, Sales

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