Mamelodi Sundowns’ Diski Team have recorded their first three points of the season following a 3-1 triumph over the Marumo Gallants Reserves on Sunday morning at the Dr Molemela Stadium.
The hosts kicked off the proceedings with a big chance which came through a powerful shot from range but Downs’ goalkeeper, Nqobani Biyela, trapped the ball with his chest to deny them. The visitors were quick to retaliate when OarabileBooysen, from the left flank, took a shot but it was blocked inside the area by the defender.
After that, Bafana Ba Style took control of the game. Gomolemo Kekana also took a chance when he shot from range but the shot wasn’t powerful enough because the goalkeeper was able to bucket it easily.
Another big chance came when Biyela shot from his spot to the other half. BennetMokoena made a run to receive the ball but the goalkeeper beat him to it when he came out of the area to snatch the ball.
On the 20th minute, Gallants broke the deadlock after capitalising from an error made by the Downs rearguard. Biyela came out to try and make a save but the ball went past him.
A few minutes later, Gallants threatened Masandawana inside the area but as Biyelawent off his mark to make a save, he fouled Gallants which led to the referee pointing to the spot. The penalty kick, was however, blocked by the shotstopper to deny Gallants an opportunity to double their advantage.
In the final stages of the opening half, Ntokozo Siquba almost levelled matters for Downs but he was denied by the woodwork. On the 44th minute, the visitors scored a goal from the spot after a handball was called inside the area. The penalty kick that saw the two sides head to the interval level was Tshiamo Masisi.
The home side almost snatched back their lead in the opening minutes of the second half but the Downs defence swept the danger well to keep the scoreline the same.
An opportunity for the young Brazilians came when Mokoena came face to face with the goalkeeper. He tried to lob the ball over the keeper but it slightly went over the bar.
Siquba also had a chance to find the back of the net when he won the ball after a good counterpress on the goalkeeper but he couldn’t shoot into the net. On the 69thminute, though, after plenty of chances, he helped the visitors snatch the lead when he scored.
During the five minutes of stoppage time added, Gomolemo Kekana sealed the match when he scored the third and final goal for Masandawana after his low long range effort shattered the net. The team effort has seen the young Brazilians coming out of the physical encounter with all points on offer.
How we lined up: Biyela ©, Sibande, Sithole, Tiwani, Maake, Kekana, Moabelo, Masisi, Booysen, Mokoena, Siquba.
Subs: Shabangu, Seedat, Mokoele, Jodamus, Nkabinde
