A goal on the 72nd minute of the match saw the Mamemlodi Sundowns Diski Team register a defeat at the hands of the Sekhukhune United Reserves on Sunday afternoon at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium.
A magnificent first half saw Masandawana create innumerable chances but were unable to put one away as they struggled to crack the home side’s defence. That kept Babina Noko alive as they struck the woodwork once before capitalising on a mistake made by the Sundowns rearguard to score the only goal of the match.
The first half offered high quality football from the visitors as they kept the opportunities coming, but it is Sekhukhune who created the first chance of the match through a free kick awarded to them after being fouled just outside the box. The set piece taken was luckily smacked away by Downs’ goalkeeper, Fanie Raludzingana, to go over the bar.
The first chance from the Brazilian side followed through Onele Rulwana from the left flank but the tight angle saw him struggle to get it right. Rulwana made numerous appearances at the corner as he took quite a number of corners but all his attempts, in collaboration with Siyabonga Mabena, Thando Buthelezi and Keabetswe Ramotsei were not yielding.
Both sides posed danger at some point in the first half. The first threatening opportunity came from the hosts, whose attempt hit the corner of the woodwork as they sent Raludzingana flying. The second threatening chance came from Ramotsei who supplied the ball from the right flank but the scramble in the area saw the ball get cleared to deny Downs an opener. The two sides went to the break deadlocked with no goals.
More chances came from coach Themba’s men in the second half while also dominating possession, but their Sekhukhune counterparts’ defence was even tighter. The stanza saw Masandawana looking to take the lead from a corner they were awarded. Rulwana took the shot which found Malibongwe Khoza, who headed it to the box but was blocked by the goalkeeper to deny them the breakthrough that had been looming for a while. Another corner kick was awarded but also not fruitful as it went over the crossbar.
On the 72nd minute, Babina Noko were able to break the deadlock after capitalising from a mistake made by the Downs defence. With a few minutes remaining on the clock, the Brazilians tried to salvage the game but the final whistle came before they could level matters or even take the lead. This sees Masandawana drop to second position on the DStv Diski Challenge table, with just a point difference between them and Stellenbosch FC.
How they lined up: Raludzingana, Nkosi ©, Khoza, Mampane, Rulwana, Mabena, Norawana, Mohanwe, Ramotsei, Nkabinde, Buthelezi.
Substitutes: Shabangu, Ndebele, Mthembu, Kekana, Letlhaku.