Mamelodi Sundowns extended their lead at the summit of the Betway
Premiership to three points with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Sekhukhune
United on Tuesday evening at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Coach Miguel Cardoso made ten changes to the side that drew in the CAF
Champions League last Friday. New signing Khulumani Ndamane was handed his
debut, while Denis Onyango, Kegan Johannes, Reisinho, Iqraam Rayners, Brayan
Leon, and Jayden Adams were among those recalled.
The match followed a familiar pattern for much of the evening, with Sundowns
dominating possession but struggling to break down a resolute Sekhukhune
defence. The home side, deploying the same disciplined approach that earned
them a point against Orlando Pirates, restricted the visitors to few clear
chances.
Sekhukhune goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner was in excellent form, making crucial
saves to deny Brayan Leon in the first half and substitute Tashreeq Matthews
in the 73rd minute, single-handedly keeping his team level.
As the game entered its final stages, Sundowns’ persistence finally paid
off. Substitute Khuliso Mudau drove forward in the 91st minute and laid the
ball off to Nuno Santos on the edge of the box, who coolly slotted home his
first league goal of the season to break the deadlock.
The Brazilians sealed the victory just two minutes later. After Leaner
parried a Peter Shalulile volley, Brayan Leon was on hand to head into the
far corner, securing the three points and moving Sundowns clear at the top
of the table.
Lineups:
Sekhukhune United: Leaner, Ndlovu, Letlapa, Grobler, Cardoso, Mncube, Phiri,
Matsimbi, Monare, Mkhize, Langa.
Subs: Nsabata, Tlaka, Tshibwabwa, Malivha, Mokoena, Makgalwa, Mampuru,
Mojela, Boyeli.
Mamelodi Sundowns: Onyango, Johannes, Ndamane, Lunga, Adams, Reisinho,
Morena, Mkhulise, Sales, Rayners, Leon.
Subs: Pieterse, Cupido, Mudau, Modiba, Allende, Santos,
Matthews, Letlhaku, Shalulile.
