Mvala Silences Downs Tormentor: ‘We Studied…

Photo by Alche Greeff/Gallo Images

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso praised Mothobi Mvala and his defence for keeping striker Junior Dion quiet during their 1-0 win over Golden Arrows in the Carling Knockout.

The Brazilians booked their spot in the semi-finals of the competition thanks to Iqraam Rayners’ second-half header.

Read: Sundowns March To Carling Knockout Semi-Finals

Dion had scored five goals in five games against Sundowns while playing for Arrows before Tuesday’s encounter, according to Transfermrkt, but the Ivorian was kept quiet by Mvala all night.

Cardoso has revealed they did their homework on the 28-year-old in the build-up to the semi-final.

“Yes, it’s a striker that gives a lot of work, we knew very well, we studied him very well,” Cardoso told SuperSport after the game.

“We knew from the matches, it’s the fourth time we played Golden Arrows in the season, it’s the first one we keep them at zero but also it comes from the work the boys did.

“Not only on controlling the space of the back of the defence, but also controlling their movements inside the box so congratulations. I think it was well done.”

Sundowns will now turn their attention to Sunday’s CAF Super Cup clash against USM Alger at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

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