Mamelodi Sundowns’ Diski Team have emerged victorious after defeating the Richards Bay Reserves 2-0 on Sunday morning at Chatsworth stadium.
In the opening ten minutes of the match, the visitors dominated their hosts’ half, creating chances. Thato Sibiya and Sipho Ngqakabana had early chances which were blocked by the highline set by the hosts.
On the 21st minute, Bennet Mokoena almost broke the deadlock after a through-pass from Kabelo Sibande but it was blocked by the nearpost.
On the 26th minute, Kutlwano Letlhaku made a long pass to Sibiya on the left flank. Sibiya dribbled his way past the defenders and from a tight angle, he netted the ball to the carport to break the deadlock.
Just before the break, Gomolemo Kekana was fouled a few meters away from the box, earning his side a free-kick. Taking it himself, the midfielder sent the goalkeeper to the right side as he hit the centre of the box to double the advantage before heading to the break.
In the opening minutes of the second half, the hosts almost found the back of the net when they chipped it over the Downs goalkeeper, Nqobani Biyela but Vincent Sithole kicked the ball away.
A few minutes later the Natal Rich Boys were awarded a corner kick and were able to put the ball past Biyela and again, Sithole stood firm on the goal line and cleared the ball away.
Just inside the hour mark, Kekana almost registered a brace for himself when he took a shot inside the box after a backfield pass from substitute, Oarabile Booysen. The shot, however, was bucketed by the goalkeeper to deny him.
Bennet Mokoena almost headed it home when substitute, Sechaba Gaseitsiwe, gifted him with the ball from the right flank. The ball, however, went over the bar missing the target by a few inches.
Masandawana kept searching for goals upfront but were denied and had to settle for the two goals and a clean sheet.
How we lined up: Biyela ©, Sibande, Khoza, Sithole, Sibiya, Masisi, Kekana, Letlhaku, Ngqakabana, Mokoena, Siquba.
Subs: Shabangu, Mswane, Booysen, Maake, Gaseitsiwe.
