Rayners Marks First Start With Goal As Sundowns Edge Resilient Milford FC

Mamelodi Sundowns continued their impressive start to the Betway Premiership season with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Milford FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening.

As has become customary under coach Miguel Cardoso, Sundowns made several changes to the team that started their MTN8 semifinal second-leg victory over Golden Arrows at the weekend.

One of those changes was the inclusion of Iqraam Rayners from the start. The forward made his first start of the season and delivered an encouraging performance.

The match began at a lively pace, with neither side willing to give the other time or space to settle. Both teams showed attacking intent, but Sundowns eventually broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time.

Rayners opened the scoring after following up on his initial effort, which Milford goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza had saved. The Sundowns forward reacted quickest to the rebound and made no mistake with his second opportunity.

The Brazilians were made to work hard for their second goal after the break, with Milford proving a difficult opponent and continuing to give Sundowns a competitive contest.

Sundowns eventually doubled their advantage in the 78th minute through Antonio Van Wyk, who also registered his first league goal of the season. The attacker produced a composed right-footed finish from inside the box after being set up by Teboho Mokoena.

Milford refused to go down without a fight, forcing Sundowns to dig deep to protect their advantage as the visitors continued to create problems and test the home side.

The match remained high-tempo, with both teams producing good football and creating several opportunities. However, neither side could find another breakthrough before the final whistle.

The result keeps Sundowns second in the Betway Premiership standings with 13 points, level with log leaders Orlando Pirates. The Buccaneers, however, remain top because of their superior goal difference.

Sundowns now have an opportunity to move to the summit this weekend when they travel to King Zwelithini Stadium to face Golden Arrows on Sunday.

A victory or draw against Abafana Besthende would be enough for the Brazilians to move above Pirates, who will be occupied with their CAF Champions League first preliminary-round commitments this weekend.