Sundowns Need A Point To Win The League

Mamelodi Sundowns secured an impressive 3-0 victory against Stellenbosch in the Betway Premiership match at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Lucas Ribeiro, Iqraam Rayners, and Arthur Sales scored the winning goals for Sundowns in the first half.

The Brazilians started this game on a high foot in the first 10 minutes, with their high pressing forcing Sihle Nduli to play a back pass to his goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke, and unfortunately, it hit the bar, and Masuluke tried to save it with his hands, and Sundowns were awarded an indirect free kick inside the six yards.

Tashreeq Matthews played it well with Lucas Ribeiro, who scored a great goal to make it 1-0 in the fifth minute.

Seven minutes later, Stellies made another mistake with Thato Khiba passing the ball to Iqraam Rayners, who combined well with Ribeiro, who assisted Rayners’ great goal to make it 2-0 before 15 minutes of the game.

The home side continued with their great display, and fortunately, they got another goal in the 17th minute through the 22-year-old Arthur Sales, who has been influential in the Brazilians recently.

Stellies pulled up their socks after 25 minutes, and Devine Titus almost got a great goal in the 30th minute, but his shot went to the outside net. Four minutes later, Titus also got another chance, but his shot went wide.

Immediately after Titus’ opportunity, Khomotjo Lekoloane got a chance, but the veteran goalkeeper Dennis Onyango made a great save to deny the 24-year-old from scoring the first goal for his club.

In the 39th minute, Khuliso Mudau made a great move, combining well with Ribeiro going forward, and delivered a cross to Ribeiro, who scored a great goal, but the assistant referee said Mudau was offside.

Both teams continued playing well in the last five minutes of the first half, but no one managed to score, and it ended 3-0 in favor of the Brazilians.

In the second half, coach Steve Barker made two substitutions before the second half even started as they introduced Chumani Butsaka and Lesiba Nku, resting Titus and Khiba to strengthen his midfield.

The introduction of the duo had a positive impact on Stellies’ attack as they got many chances in the first 10 minutes, but unfortunately for them, they failed to capitalize on their chances they created.

Following this victory, the Brazilians are now 15 points clear ahead of the second-place team, Orlando Pirates, who have 52 points. However, the Buccaneers still have three games in hand.

In the 68th minute, coach Miguel Cardoso decided to introduce captain Themba Zwane, Terrence Mashego, and Sphelele Mkhulise, who substituted Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, and Matthews, as his team didn’t start the second half very well and was trying to strengthen their attack and defensive line.

With the introduction of these three players, Sundowns regained their momentum as they were creating many chances but failed to score. The Brazilians made another substitution in the 82nd minute, and it was a surprise substitution as he introduced goalkeeper Jody February for Onyango, who was not injured.

February made his first save of the game in the 87th minute to deny Stellies an opportunity to score. The game ended 3-0 in favor of the Brazilians as no one managed to score in the second half.

Sundowns could wrap up the league on Wednesday in their next league game against Chippa United at Buffalo City Stadium.

A draw will be enough for Sundowns to secure their league title and become the first team to win the league under the sponsorship of Betway Premiership, as they also did that under the sponsorship of DStv.

The Buccaneers, on the other hand, will be playing against Golden Arrows on Tuesday at Orlando Stadium with the hope of bringing their confidence in winning the league.