“Cash” Is King: Mailula Seals Sundowns Win Over Gallants As Masandawana Surge To Third
Mamelodi Sundowns moved up to third place on the Betway Premiership table after securing a 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday.
Both teams entered the match having played two games. Sundowns had recorded one win and one draw, while Gallants had suffered one defeat and secured one draw.
The home side started brightly and came close to opening the scoring in the third minute when Fawaaz Basadien, who started ahead of regular left-back Aubrey Modiba, unleashed a powerful shot that was well saved by the Gallants goalkeeper.
Sundowns continued to create chances during the opening 15 minutes. Bryan Leon attempted a bicycle kick, but the Gallants goalkeeper comfortably dealt with his effort.
A minute later, Katlego Otladisa made a dangerous run from his own half and advanced into the Sundowns penalty area before unleashing a shot. Ronwen Williams was equal to the effort, making an excellent save to deny him.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 20th minute. Central defender Malibongwe Khoza found the back of the net with a powerful strike. Gallants’ defence attempted to keep the ball out, but they could not prevent Sundowns from taking the lead.
The match remained intense, with Gallants refusing to surrender. The visitors continued to search for an equaliser and came close in the 32nd minute when Msindisi Kunene headed towards goal from a free kick. Once again, Williams was equal to the challenge, producing an important save.
Sundowns had an opportunity to double their advantage in the 42nd minute when Tashreeq Matthews found himself unmarked inside the box. However, he failed to keep his effort on target, sending the ball wide.
Sundowns went into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead.
The second half started at a fast pace, with Sundowns creating an early opportunity in the 50th minute. Cassius Mailula found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper but could not convert.
Mailula made amends in the 67th minute, however, finding the back of the net with a long-range effort following an assist from Siyanda Ndlovu. The goal marked Mailula’s third since returning to the club.
Ndlovu, who came on as a substitute, quickly caused problems for the Gallants defence, although the visitors managed to prevent Sundowns from adding to their advantage.
As the second half progressed, the tempo dropped compared to the intensity of the opening 45 minutes, with Sundowns comfortably managing the game to secure all three points.
