Mamelodi Sundowns’ Diski Team has dropped points for the third consecutive time following a 1-0 loss against the Magesi FC Reserves on Sunday afternoon at the Seshego Stadium in Polokwane.
While the home side were looking to complete a double against Masandawana, coach David Notoane’s men were looking to get the rub of the green and pick up maximum points. The intention was very clear from the get-go as both sides looked to get a goal in the opening minutes of the match. It is, however, the hosts who created the first big chance but could not get it right because the Downs backline were dutifully firm at the back, denying them goals.
The young Brazilians came close to breaking the deadlock through OarabileBooysen who was on the left flank to deliver the ball to Thulani Zandamela who readily received it and attempted to head it into the box but it slightly went over the bar. Tshiamo Masisi also came close when he fired a shot from just inside the edge of the box but his attempt also missed the target by a few inches when it went over the crossbar.
The two sides went to the break with no goals seen in the opening half. Just before they headed to the interval, Magesi was fouled and then awarded a free-kick. The Downs shot stopper, Nqobani Biyela, came out to quickly snatch the ball, saving his side from conceding before going back to the changing rooms.
Bafana Ba Style looked more dominant in the second stanza, seeing NtokozoSiquba coming very close to opening the scoring. Bennet Mokoena had set him up nicely in front of goal but was not able to connect. With the ball well his chance was cleared away. Shortly after that, a mistake by the defense almost cost the visitors but luckily Biyela smacked the ball away to save his side.
Masandawana kept knocking on the door, and while it looked like a goal was coming from them they were just not getting it right. Eventually, as they neared the end, the hosts capitalized on a mistake made by their counterparts and punished them with a goal. Despite remaining resolute and fighting to find an equalizer, Masandawanawalked away with a defeat.
How we lined up: Biyela, Nkabinde, Sibiya, Sibande, Sithole, Masisi, Kekana ©, Booysen, Mokoena, Siquba, Zandamela.
Subs: Mohlabine, Jodamus, Tibe, Gaseitsiwe, Norawana.
