Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a 2-0 win over Cape Town City at the DHL Stadium in the opening DStv Premiership match of the ?2022-23? season on Friday night.
The Tshwane giants produced a strong second-half performance after being frustrated by the Citizens in the first half. Two second half goals from Aubrey Modiba and Themba Zwane earned Masandawana a win over the stubborn hosts.
The Citizens were left to rue their missed chances in the first half when they were looking dangerous on the counterattack. It is now back to the drawing board for the Mother City side who couldn’t score on the night.
The Citizens’ tight defence was able to contain Masandawana’s dangerous attack which was led by the lethal Peter Shalulile. Most of the balls which were played in the City box were either cleared away or gathered by goalkeeper Hugo Marques.
The hosts looked dangerous on the counterattack especially on the right-hand side with Khanyisa Mayo creating problems for Sundowns’ defence. Thabo Nodada and debutant Luke Daniels failed to hit the target from close range after connecting with top-notch crosses from the right.
Sundowns’ only decent chance in the first half fell for Haashim Domingo, but the attacking midfielder failed to beat keeper Marques from close range following a good move by the Tshwane giants and the score was 0-0 at the interval.
The defending champions came back an improved side in the second half and they managed to open the scoring. The visitors were awarded a free-kick after Domingo was fouled near the City box and Aubrey Modiba scored with a fabulous strike from the set-piece to make it 1-0 to Sundowns in the 61st minute.
Sundowns were soon 2-0 up two minutes later after a good move by the visitors with the influential Domingo, who was having a great game, being involved. The creative player played a defence-splitting pass for Themba Zwane who made no mistake as he beat Marques to make it 2-0 Sundowns.
The momentum was with the Citizens in the latter stages of the match with coach Eric Tinkler having introduced attackers Mogamat May and Kajally Drammeh. However, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams pulled off decent saves to deny the City duo to ensure that the game ended in a 2-0 win in favour of Sundowns.
Cape Town City 0
Mamelodi Sundowns 2 (Modiba 61′, Zwane 63′)
Cape Town City:Marques, Martin, Mokeke, Cupido, Van Heerden, Ambina (Makola 76′), Nodada, Mdantsane (Fielies 64′), Gonzalez (Bender 76′), Mayo (Mayo 76′), Daniels (Drammeh 56′).
Mamelodi Sundowns:Williams, Mudau (Morena 70′), Modiba (Lakay 90’+1), Mandela, Lebusa, Mokoena, Domingo (Mvala 72′), Maema, Zwane (Ralani 72′), Kutumela, Shalulile (Mbule 90’+1).
© Backpage TXT
SOURCED FROM THE PSL WEBSITE.
