Mamelodi Sundowns returned to league action in style, following a 4-1 victory over Richards Bay on Tuesday night at the Princess Magogo Stadium. Goals from Tashreeq Matthews, Iqraam Rayners and Fawaaz Basadien saw the Brazilians picking up all points on offer.
The first chance came from the hosts on the fourth minute. Basadien came from the left flank to set up Rayners inside the box. Rayners tried to redirect the ball towards goal with his head but the effort went wide.
After an offside from the hosts and numerous chances inside the box from the visitors, it is Mamelodi Sundowns who broke the deadlock and it was through Matthews. On the 18th minute, Siyanda Ndlovu set up Matthews on the edge of the box. Matthews wasted no time to slot it in the net.
Four minutes later, however, Richards Bay levelled matters. The first effort was smacked away by Ronwen Williams but the hosts quickly found the rebound to put it into the back of the net.
After multiple attempts to find the back of the net, Masandawana snatched back the lead through Rayners on the 36th minute. Matthews’ cross from the left flank found Rayners who headed the ball into the box.
While Bafana Ba Style may have had a few more clear-cut chances in the closing stages of the opening half, they went to the interval leading by a goal.
Rayners made it three goals for Downs two minutes into the second half. Matthews tried to shoot from a ball that came from the Richards Bay defence. Matthews’ effort was, however, smacked by the keeper but Rayners found the rebound and put the ball past the keeper.
On the 54th minute, the hosts were awarded a free-kick, which almost earned them a goal. Ronwen Williams was tested but he managed to tip away and catch the effort.
Four minutes later, Basadien tripled the advantage for the visitors. The ball came from Teboho Mokoena to find Basadien on the left side inside the box. Basadien’s first touch resulted into a fine goal. This was also the defender’s first goal in Brazilian colours.
In the final minutes of the match, the Natal Rich Boyz looked more dangerous, especially in the final third but the Downs defence kept it tidy at the back, to conclude the game match with a 4-1 triumph.
How we lined up: Williams ©, Matuludi, Khoza, Ndamane, Basadien, Mokoena, Allende, Matthews, Mailula, Rayners, Ndlovu.
Subs: Goss, Mvala, Lunga, Morena, Cele, Santos, Zwane, van Wyk, Leon.
