Mamelodi Sundowns came from behind at the break to beat Magesi FC 2-1 on Wednesday night at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, to extend their lead on the Betway Premiership tally. It was Lucas Ribeiro and Tashreeq Matthews who scored the goals that saw them leaving Polokwane victorious.
The visitors looked a bit threatening early in the game, with Iqraam Rayners putting himself in a good position to shoot, but the Magesi defense kept their defending clean and denied him a goal.
The hosts were, however, the side that broke the deadlock in the 12th minute, through an error made at the back which they took advantage of. After being able to win the ball on the left flank, a good delivery was made to find the striker in front who headed the ball into the net to make it 1-0. Shortly after the goal, Khuliso Mudau had to be forced out of the clash following an injury. Thapelo Morena came in to replace Mudau.
Downs was able to apply a bit of pressure a few times and at some point, an own goal was almost seen which would have been in Downs’ favour but the goalkeeper’s timing was good enough to make a save.
Another error at the back almost cost the visiting side after the amount of pressure Magesi was applying, but goalkeeper, Denis Onyango, came to the rescue by sensing the danger early and coming out to make a save. Masandawana dug deep to find a leveller but the defending displayed by Magesi had no loopholes. Coach Miguel Cardoso’s side went to the break trailing.
In the second stanza, the visitors showed more character, making good defensive decisions and creating more chances. Marcelo Allende came so close to getting a goal to level matters from a long-range shot but his attempt went slightly over the bar. Not long after the goal attempt, substitute, Morena also picked up an injury which forced him out of the game. Mosa Lebusa was introduced in his place.
In the 64th minute, the breakthrough finally came for Bafana Ba Style through Ribeiro. It was a combination between Rayners, Arthur Sales who came in as a substitute in the second half, as well as Ribeiro that created that magical moment. Through a half-volley, Ribeiro was able to get the ball past the keeper to level matters.
Peter Shalulile almost snatched the lead from Dikwena tša Meetse but the offside flag was raised. That didn’t stop coach Miguel’s charges from fighting for the ball, because, in the final stages of the match, Matthews found the back of the net from range to double Downs’ advantage and ultimately, won the game for his side.
How we lined up: Onyango ©, Mudau, Khoza, Kekana, Lunga, Mokoena, Allende, Mkhulise, Shalulile, Rayners, Ribeiro.
Substitutes: February, Morena, Lebusa, Mashego, Aubaas, Maema, Matthews, Sales, Letlhaku.
If can fix our central defence and build on the performance of last night then we are good to go.We fought until the end and won against all odds.Coming from a goal down,scored a legitimate disallowed goal and ultimately scored a winner,that alone showed determination.We couldn’t have done that if we were playing backwards.I don’t know if members see what I see in Sales,the boy is going to take us places as long as we don’t play him as a striker.Im very much happy Mathews has fully recovered.I really commend the players for their hard work and the technical team for the good reading of the game.Im worried about the amount of red cards we’re getting.
morning masandawana the game was good but central defense is weak, i love the way sales amd tasthreq change the game sales is a good player
Hopefully the central defender we signed on loan from Argentina (Lucas Suarez) will bring something different. Even AB was good, just that Rhulani played him out of position, as a left-back. I was so hoping that Keagan Johannes’ will be ready by now, before the Pirates game on the 8th of February, otherwise I see a disaster with Mali and Kekana as our central defence in that game.