Saleng Shines On Debut As Sundowns Crush Sekhukhune
Monnapule Saleng made an immediate impact on his debut for Mamelodi Sundowns, providing an assist as they defeated Sekhukhune United 3-1 in a Betway Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.
Saleng, who replaced Tashreeq Matthews in the 80th minute, used his pace to beat his marker before delivering a cross that was finished by Iqraam Rayners a minute later.
Rayners was not done yet, adding another goal later in the match as Sundowns secured a vital three points. The victory saw them move level on 41 points with log leaders Orlando Pirates after 18 matches.
Marcelo Allende opened the scoring for Sundowns, while Iqram Rayners netted a brace, with newly signed speedy winger Monnapule Saleng providing the assist for one of the goals on his debut after coming on in the second half.
Sekhukhune United’s consolation goal was scored by veteran forward Bradley Grobler.
Sundowns began the match on the front foot and created a number of promising opportunities early on. Their pressure paid off in the 30th minute when Allende fired a right-footed shot from outside the box into the back of the net, following a well-timed assist from Arthur Sales to make it 1-0.
The hosts continued to dominate proceedings and came close to extending their lead through Allende and Brayan León, but their efforts could not produce additional goals as the first half ended with Sundowns holding a narrow advantage.
Both sides showed attacking intent in the opening stages of the second half, creating several chances within the first 20 minutes, but neither could convert.
It was the visitors, however, who struck next when Grobler rose to head home from the right side of the six-yard box in the 70th minute to level matters at 1–1.
Six minutes later, Sundowns nearly restored their lead, but Nuno Santo’s long-range effort was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata.
Miguel Cardoso’s men remained relentless and eventually regained the lead in the 81st minute when Rayners slotted home from very close range after being set up by Saleng.
With confidence flowing, the Brazilians pushed for more and sealed the win late in the match. Rayners completed his brace with a superb right-footed strike from outside the box into the top-left corner following a swift counter-attack to make it 3–1.
After this important victory, Sundowns will return to action on Wednesday when they host Golden Arrows once again at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
