Heroic goals from Tashreeq Matthews and Thapelo Morena seven minutes into the game, have helped Mamelodi Sundowns grab all points on offer after defeating Sekhukhune United 2-1 on Tuesday evening at Loftus Versfeld.
The match kicked off with the host team making an immediate impact through goals. Just when the clock hit a minute, the pace of Morena was crucial as he made a run on the shoulder to score but his effort was cleared. Matthews was able to find the rebound on his second start of the season, to open the scoring from his side.
Sekhukhune United’s retaliation almost saw them levelling matters when Vusimuzi Mncube snatched the ball from Brian Onyango to cut back to Linda Mntambo but Mntambo’s shot went wide. Six minutes later, Matthews’s pressing paid off as a second goal came for the home side. As Matthews made that interception, he gave the cut back to Morena who sticked the ball to the back of the net to make it two.
Babina Noko’s Jamie Webber had a threatening chance after pressing Mosa Lebusa and taking the ball to the box but nothing came from the drive he made. He created another chance after going past Lebusa. Webber tried to make a cross to Mntambo but Denis Onyango made a save. A forced changed was made for Downs following a blow on Onyango while making the save. Jody February came in just before the break.
Upon his introduction, February was tested as he had a moment of brilliance when he made a save with his left hand by smacking away the headed attempt by the visitors. The Brazilians went to the break with a two-goal advantage.
Play resumed with a goal from Sekhukhune United, scoring a few minutes into the second half. This came after the referee pointed to the spot following a foul on the visitors in the box.
Terrence Mashego, who cam in as a substitute almost made it three for his side. It was his excellent turn to evade the Babina Noko defence that saw him drive the ball as the defence offered him space. His
chance got challenged in the last minute to deny him a goal.
February made another excellent save as he was tested. His great reflexes helped him smack the ball out after a shot was fired to the left side of the box. Masandawana were able to hold on to the lead until the final whistle, putting them on 56 points on the tally.
How we lined up: D. Onyango, Maboe, B. Onyango, Lebusa, Coetzee, Nku, Maema, Mkhulise, Morena, Matthews, Mendieta.
Subs: February, Mashego, Seabi, Mbule, Nkosi, Buthelezi, Mabena, Esquivel, Sirino.
SOURCED FROM THE CLUB’S WEBSITE.
