Mamelodi Sundowns Diski Team’s last home game of the season ended with a positive result, following a 1-0 victory over the Sekhukhune United Reserves on Saturday morning at Tuks Stadium. Sipho Ngqakabana’s only goal of the match is what saw the hosts leave Tuks with maximum points.
To welcome their visitors, the hosts asserted themselves on the attack and went on to pull the first trigger through Akhanyile Norawana, but the ball sailed a few inches over the bar. Another chance came on a silver platter for Downs after a mistake made inside the box by the Sekhukhune United defense. Downs’ attack was, however, caught napping as they missed the opportunity to break the deadlock early in the game.
After plenty of chances created in front of the goal, the scoring was opened in the 31st minute through Ngqakabana’s firing shot. Norawana had set him up nicely on the right flank. With three forwards in front, Ngqakabana was brave enough to get to the ball and pull one back for his side.
Shortly after the opener, Babina Noko took control of the midfield and took a chance to shoot from range. Luckily, goalkeeper Nqobani Biyela was alert and cushioned the ball to safety.
In the final minute of the opening half, Bennet Mokoena, whose many chances were blocked by the defenders, took a free-kick from a distance away from the area. His powerful shot denied him a chance to add his name on the scoresheet after it rattled the woodwork and didn’t go in. Masandawana went to the break with a goal advantage.
Coach David Notoane’s men picked up from where they left off when the second half whistle was blown. Thulani Zandamela, who came in to replace an injured Khumo Mokoele, announced his return to play with what could have been a beautiful goal, should he have converted. After making a good run to get the ball in the area, his shot went slightly wide.
Babina Noko had a big chance after the hour mark in front of the goal, with the Downs defence not alert, but miscommunication cost them, and in the end, the ball flew over the bar. Another opportunity came when Junaid Seedat’s attempt to pass the ball was counterattacked. Captain Matlhatse Mampane, however, saved the day by not allowing the striker to go past him.
Onele Rulwana, who had been problematic for the visitors’ defence the entire game, came so close to doubling Bafana Ba Style’s advantage in the final minutes of the match, but his efforts kept going slightly wide.
Despite looking for more goals, the young Brazilians had to settle for one goal and earn their first victory against a tough Sekhukhune United side this season.
How we lined up: Biyela, Norawana, Sithole, Seedat, Mampane ©, Moabelo, Mokoele, Masisi, Ngqakabana, Mokoena, Rulwana.
Subs: Mohlabine, Sibande, Mareletse, Zandamela, Booysen.
