Carling Knockout: Arubi and Marumo Gallants send Sundowns out on PK’s

Marumo Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi was the hero on Saturday in the Carling Knockout Cup, saving a penalty kick and then converting from the spot to dump out Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Zimbabwe national team veteran rose to the occasion after Gallants held 10-man Sundowns to a scoreless draw through 120 minutes at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria. Arubi saved three penalties before finishing the winning kick to outduel South Africa national team keeper Ronwen Williams.

It seemed like only a matter of time before Sundowns would find the breakthrough after looking in control during the first half. However, Arubi and his defense formed a wall that the South African club champions struggled to pass with blocked shots and timely interventions from the keeper to keep the match scoreless.

A twist in the tale occurred in the second half when Sundowns debutant Miguel Reisinho, on as a substitute, was issued a straight red card for a nasty challenge around ten minutes after coming on.

The match died down further and after 120 minutes could not provide a goal. Arubi saved Sundowns’ first two spot kicks. Williams responded with a crucial save of his own to restore parity and the shootout continued on into extra innings before Arubi came up with a massive kick save to deny Mosa Lebusa and then sent Williams the wrong way to confirm victory.

Carling Knockout: Sundowns v Gallants Full PK Shootout

⚽️ ℙ𝔼ℕ𝔸𝕃𝕋𝕐 𝕊ℍ𝕆𝕆𝕋𝕆𝕌𝕋 ⚽️

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa won 7⃣➖6⃣ on penalties!

𝐌𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐝𝐢 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬: 🔴🔴🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢🔴
𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐨 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬: 🔴🟢 🟢🟢🔴🟢🟢🟢🟢

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Earlier in the day, Orlando Pirates advanced while Betway Premiership second place side Sekhukhune United were bounced by Golden Arrows. Arrows erased a 0-1 halftime deficit by scoring three unanswered goals.

The first round finishes up on Sunday, headlined by Stellenbosch’s duel with Kaizer Chiefs. AmaZulu face defending champions Magesi FC while Richards Bay will host Chippa United.

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