Online Reporter
WARRIORS goalkeeper, Washington Arubi was outstanding as 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.
Arubi, outstanding throughout the match, saved two spot kicks and converted the winning goal to cap an outstanding day in office for the veteran goalkeeper who is expected to guard goal when the Warriors take on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a crucial World Cup qualifier this week.
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 September 17.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
