Carling Knockout: Sundowns learn semi-final opponents as final venue is revealed

Mamelodi Sundowns have received what appears like a kind Carling Knockout semi-final draw after landing Marumo Gallants while Richards Bay will take on Magesi FC.

Sundowns stormed into the semi-final following a 4-0 thrashing of Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday and are the overwhelming favourites to succeed Stellenbosch FC as the champions of the tournament.

Gallants clinched their place in the final after stunning holders Stellenbosch 1-0 in the quarter-final on Sunday while Richards Bay eliminated TS Galaxy following a similar result.

Carling final to be staged in Bloemfontein

It will be the second meeting between Sundowns and Gallants in under two months after Manqoba Mngqithi’s men secured a 4-1 league win on September 24.

Dates for the semi-final clashes are yet to be confirmed but the final has been scheduled for November 23 at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Sundowns are the second most successful team in the tournament with four titles but their last win was in 2019 and will be hoping to end the five-year wait.

Can Gallants spring a surprise on Sundowns?

However, Gallants will hope to spring a surprise given the final will be played at their home ground, which will act as an extra source of motivation.

Meanwhile, it is a new territory for newly-promoted Magesi, whose fairy tale run continues, having stunned Orlando Pirates in the Round of 16.