Teenager Kutlwano Letlhaku netted a brace as Mamelodi Sundowns secured a 2-0 win over Polokwane City in Betway Premiership action on Wednesday night.
Betway Premiership
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Polokwane City
Date: 06 November 2024
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Sundowns made wholesale changes from the side that thrashed Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Knockout, as only goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and Peter Shalulile remained, with Arthur Sales, Kutlwano Letlhaku and Neo Maema completing the attack.
The Brazilians struggled to combine in the early exchanges, as their possession did not threaten Polokwane where it matters the most.
However, Masandawana's patience finally paid off on 26 minutes after Letlhaku broke the deadlock with a low curling shot after a backheeled pass by Sales in the box.
Rise and Shine got out of their defensive shell as they got desperate to go forward and ten minutes before the interval, Manuel Kambala thought he had their best chance after he beat the offside trap to go clear on goal but Williams came out almost near the centre circle and made a crucial clearance.
Manqoba Mngqithi's charges regained their dominance towards the end of the first stanza but they could not create further opportunities, as they took a narrow 1-0 lead to the break.
City played with more pace from the break and ten minutes into the second stanza Hlayisi Chauke had a big chance to make it 1-1 after he latched onto a cross unmarked in the box but he misdirected his header wide.
Mngqithi looked to have a better control of the game on 65 minutes as Marcelo Allende replaced Maema in a tactical change.
The Brazilians, though, profited from a defensive error three minutes later after Thabang Matuludi gave away possession cheaply and the visitors were punished, as Letlhaku made it 2-0 and completed his brace with a tap-in from a square pass by Sales.
The Limpopo side were up against it in the last 15 minutes after Sundowns brought on the fresh legs of Iqraam Rayners and Thapelo Maseko in attack.
The Tshwane giants were comfortable towards the end as they reduced the gap behind leaders Orlando Pirates to just three points in second spot in the log.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: 30. Williams, 42. Khoza, 39. Maboe, 5. Lebusa, 27. Morena, 5. Lunga, 21. Mkhulise, 12. Maema, 43. Letlhaku, 9. Sales, 38. Shalulile
Subs: 1. Onyango, 23. De Reuck, 28. Mdunyelwa, 14. Mashego, 6. Modiba, 8. Saavedra, 11. Allende, 33. Maseko, 13. Rayners
Polokwane City: 1. Sapunga, 3. Nkwe, 34. Nkaki, 4. Nikani, 2. Matuludi, 17. Dlamini, 14. Maphangule, 12. Alexander, 21. Kambala, 11. Appollis, 9. Chauke
Subs: 50. Okoth, 5. Baloyi, 8. Letshedi, 19. Mapfumo, 20. Daniels, 22. Makhubela, 24. Seabi, 33. Ndlovu, 47. Batlhabane
