Mamelodi Sundowns got back to winning ways in the DStv Premiership with a 3-0 triumph over AmaZulu on Tuesday evening.
DStv Premiership
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 AmaZulu
Date: 27 February 2024
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
The Brazilians made five changes from the team that beat Nouadhibou in the CAF Champions League, as Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Matias Esquivel, Teboho Mokoena, Zuko Mdunyelwa and Lebohang Maboe were all brought in.
The hosts almost had a perfect start after Gaston Sirino, within the first two minutes, had a dipping shot that tested goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela, who saved the effort.
Sundowns continued to be on the front foot and Sirino threatened again with a volley that missed the upright by inches wide.
Rulani Mokwena's charges increased their intensity and midway into the first stanza, Costa and Aubrey Modiba both also came close in quick succession with threatening strikes.
AmaZulu were still trying to contain Sundowns with eight minutes remaining and nearly went behind after Modiba beat his marker and had clear sight of goal with a shot that missed wide.
Masandawana continued to pile pressure on Usuthu but were rushing their moves and the first stanza came to a close without goals.
However, The Tshwane giants had the start they were looking for in the second stanza as it took three minutes for Ribeiro to eventually break the deadlock with a close-range shot from a rebound after Mzimela saved Sirino's shot on his path.
Usuthu had to come out of their defensive shell and Ribeiro eventually doubled the lead for Masandawana just before the hour-mark with a well taken shot after he found space in the box.
Mokwena looked to create more attacking variations in the last 15 minutes as Thembinkosi Lorch and Sipho Mbule both came on for Esquivel and Modiba.
Usuthu were caught off guard shortly after that as Ribeiro completed his hat-trick with a strike from a one-on-one after through ball by Bongani Zungu.
The Brazilians were comfortable in the dying minutes, as they extended their lead at the top of the table to 12 points.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mdunyelwa, Lunga, Kekana, Zungu, Mokoena, Maboe, Modiba, Esquivel, Ribeiro, Sirino
Subs: D.Onyango, B.Onyango, Aubaas, Mkhulise, Mbule, Mendieta, Zwane, Lorch, Shalulile
AmaZulu: Mzimela, Jooste, Mphahlele, Fielies, Gumede, Hanamub, Motshwari, Brooks, Mbanjwa, Moremi, Kwem.
Subs: Mothwa, Sikhakhane, Zulu, Mobara, Ngema, Maluleka, Ekstein, Mulenga, Dion
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