Sundowns Thump Struggling Gallants
Mamelodi Sundowns have overtaken Orlando Pirates at the top of the Betway Premiership after thrashing Marumo Gallants 4-1 at Loftus Stadium on Tuesday.
Coach Manqoba Mngqithi once again opted to go into this one without Bafana Bafana’s key players Tebogo Mokoena and right back, Khuliso Mudau.
Masandawana opened the scoring as early as the eighth minute. A swift build-up from the back, sent wide and sharply cut back by Thapelo Morena, with a Tashreeq Matthews coming at the end of a failed clearance attack to calmly slot it at the far post.
Expectedly dominant in possession, Sundowns repeatedly attacked Gallants with patience, with no luck in front of goal after the first goal. On the other hand, the Free State-based side asserted confidence in their few build-up moments, playing one-touch football and trying to find space through the defense.
Another swift counterattack in the 34th minute saw Sundowns take a two-goal advantage after Matthews brilliantly played in Iqraam Rayners with a low cross in the box. The former Stellenbosch striker made no mistake smashing it in from the far post to get his second of the season.
A comfortable lead for the Masandawana at half time as the referee blew his whistle with the Pretoria side leading 2-0
Coming into the second half, Gallants coach, Dan Malesela made two instant substitutions. Phathutshedzo Nange and Kamohelo Mahlatsi were replaced by Siyabonga Nhlapho and Thapelo Makobodi.
Just three minutes into the second half, Sundowns demonstrated their ruthlessness yet again after a Gallants high line defense was caught napping. Matthews expertly slid it through the Gallants’ defence to find Riberio who complimented the through ball with a well-calculated run and a brilliant finish.
After Daniel Akpeyi was substituted in the 69th minute due to an injury, Gallants substitute goalkeeper, Nicholas Mlambo announced his arrival with a dubious blunder in build-up.
The Gallants keeper lost the ball in an attempt to dribble a pressing Matthews, with the ball finding Siphelele Mkhulise who made no mistake slotting it home to make it 4-0 for Sundowns.
The 80-minute mark came and went with Gallants sending a free attempt at goal to find a consolation but failing to convert. Eventually, Gallants received a penalty after Monde Mpambaniso was brought down in the box. Almost inevitably, Gabadinho Mhango’s penalty attempt was saved by the reigning player of the season Ronwen Williams.
Finally, in the 88th minute, the Malawian redeemed himself after getting on the end of a low cross, and untidily putting it passed Williams to find a consolation for Gallants.
A sudden burst of energy from the 2021 Nedbank Cup champions was cut short when the referee blew the final whistle after four minutes of additional time.
With this victory, Sundowns went top of the Betway Premiership log standings, overtaking Pirates on goal difference.
