Mamelodi Sundowns eliminated! Marumo Gallants stun Miguel Cardoso's side in dramatic Carling Knockout duel to join Orlando Pirates in the quarter-finals

Mamelodi Sundowns have been eliminated by Marumo Gallants from the Carling Knockout Round of 16 after suffering a 7-6 penalty shootout defeat after a 0-0 draw at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday night.

Gallants emerged the winners after holding Masandawana to a goalless draw in regulation before winning the post-match shootout.

Aubrey Modiba, Peter Shalulile, Nuno Santos, Teboho Mokoena, and Malibongwe Khoza scored their respective goals, while Ronwen Williams saved Jaisen Clifford's and Sekela Sithole's penalties. 

Gallants' Washington Arubi saved Marcelo Allende, Fawaaz Basadien and Mosa Lebusa's penalties as Simo Luthuli, Daniel Msendami, Agnikoi Eroine, Khumbulani Ncube and Siyabonga Nhlapho scored.  

Meanwhile, Williams was forced to make a save in the 31st minute when Gallants pressed the PSL giants, but the keeper did not get hold of the ball as it went out for a corner.

Gallants' head coach Alexandre Lafitte made what looked like a tactical change in the 35th minute when he took Doudy James, who was making his debut, out and brought on Ncube. 

Tashreeq Matthews spotted Marcelo Allende in a promising spot in the 48th minute, but the Chilean hit the side net, wasting a rare chance for the Tshwane giants.

Sundowns could not break the deadlock again in the 67th minute when Iqraam Rayners was fed with a good cross by Arthur Sales, only for the Bafana forward to be denied by experienced Zimbabwean goalkeeper Washington Arubi.  

The Brazilians thought they had scored the opener in the 68th minute, but Rayners' goal was ruled out for offside.

Sundowns' new signing Miguel Reisinho had a debut that he did not expect; the Portuguese international received a straight red card in the 86th minute for a dangerous challenge on Nhlapho, who was himself on a yellow card.

Arubi, who also scored his penalty, rose to the occasion when his teammates needed him the most. The experienced keeper was the difference between Gallants and Downs. 

Reisinho was sent off at a crucial moment of the game; this is a match that Downs needed everyone on the pitch for, and a red card is something that came at the very wrong time. 

The Tshwane giants will focus their energy and attention on the CAF Champions as they are set to face Remo Stars of Nigeria in a qualification showdown on October 17.

Gallants, on the other hand, will face Chippa United on October 19 for a league game.