Mamelodi Sundowns’ Diski Team returned to winning ways when they defeated the TSGalaxy Reserves 3-1 on Saturday morning at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
The first action of the day came from the visitors inside the area. Zakhele Shabangu, the Downs goalkeeper, luckily smelt the danger on time and smacked the ball away.
The hosts took over possession and dominated the opposition’s half, creating chances. An opportunity came from Gomolemo Kekana from the left flank, but the keeper snatched it.
In the 21st minute, the hosts finally opened the scoring through Oarabile Booysen. Through a good press, Masandawana won the ball and took it home with a well-executed build-up that found Booysen ready on the farpost.
Shabangu was tested when Galaxy fired a shot from range, but through his calmness, he bucketed the effort.
In the 41st minute, Bafana Ba Style doubled their advantage through Bennet Mokoena. The goal, just like the first, came through a well-executed build-up as they exploited thespace their opponents left. Mokoena didn’t waste any time when the ball landed on his feet as he fired it into the box.
Two minutes later, on the brink of halftime, Booysen found himself unmarked as he drove the ball to the box. He was then fouled in the area, causing the referee to point to the spot. Booysen took the shot that rattled the tongue of the net. This saw Downs heading to the break with a three goal-advantage.
The second stanza came with more opportunities from the hosts, but they were not getting it right with the finishing. The visitors, on the other hand, searched for their first goal, and just after the hour mark, they beat the Downs defence with a goal.
The Rockets continued searching for a goal and testing Shabangu, but he continued denying them with his exceptional saves. In the end, the hosts kept their lead and walked away with all points on offer.
How we lined up: Shabangu, Sibande, Felix, Marthinus, Maake, Kekana, Masisi ©, Mabena, Siquba, Mokoena, Booysen.
Subs: Biyela, Modika, Mlondo, Stevens, Ngqakabana.
