Mamelodi Sundowns moved to the top of the Betway Premiership table with a 3-0 victory over Sekhukhune United on Saturday evening.
Betway Premiership
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 Sekhukhune United
Date: 30 November 2024
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Sundowns brought back Iqraam Rayners, Bathusi Aubaas, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau and Sphelele Mkhulise as five changes from their goalless draw against Maniema Union in the CAF Champions League.
The Brazilians were patient on the ball in the opening exchanges but they were not shifting Sekhukhune out of their defensive organisation.
However, after upping their tempo, Masandawana eventually went ahead midway into the first stanza after Tresor Tshibwabwa deflected Modiba's cross into his own goal.
Babina Noko got into the game towards the half-hour mark as Keletso Makgalwa came close to making it 1-1 with a low curler on the edge of the box that forced goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into an out-stretched save.
Manqoba Mngqithi's charges could not regain their rhythm going forward as they were quickly closed down by Sekhukhune but the home side went to the interval with a narrow lead.
The Tshwane giants had a perfect start in the second stanza after Arthur Sales doubled their lead from the penalty spot after Rayners was brought down in the box by shot-stopper Badra Ali Sangare.
With Sekhukhune threatening to fight back midway into the first stanza, Mngqithi made a double change for fresh legs as Teboho Mokoena replaced Aubaas in midfield and Thapelo Morena came on for Mudau.
Masandawana slowed down the tempo of the game in the latter stages but with ten minutes to go, Lucas Ribeiro Costa had good chance to make it 3-0 after intercepted a back pass but his volley was saved by Sangare.
However, Rayners eventually sealed the three points for Sundowns with the third goal in stoppage time after he allowed time and space to turn and picked his spot into the top corner.
The Brazilians jumped above Pirates at the top of the table with a superior goal difference, with the Buccaneers back in action on Sunday.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: 30. Williams, 20. Kekana, 15. Aubaas, 42. Khoza, 25. Mudau, 6. Modiba, 21. Mkhulise, 11. Allende, 10. Ribeiro, 9. Sales, 13. Rayners
Subs: 1. Onyango, 34. Mvala, 27. Morena, 4. Mokoena, 8. Saavedra, 12. Maema, 19. Kodisang, 33. Maseko, 38. Shalulile
Sekhukhune United: 30. Sangare, 4. Cardoso, 29. Tshibwabwa, 25. Letlapa, 27. Mkhabela, 15. Mkhize, 21. Mokhouane, 17. Kapinga, 7. Makgalwa, 9. Boyeli, 36. Vandala.
Subs: 16. Leaner, 35. Mahlangu, 28. Ngcobo, 8. Monare, 14. Langa, 10. Mncube, 19. Ashby, 31. Mokoena, Sihlali
