Downs’ Diski Team Drop Points at Home

The Mamelodi Sundowns Diski Team registered their third loss of the season following a tight 3-4 defeat over the Stellenbosch Reserves on Saturday afternoon at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

The encounter promised to be an exciting one, with both sides being two of the best in the reserve league, so it was no shock when a foul on the edge of the box was made a minute into the game. Stellenbosch was awarded a free kick which went past the Downs keeper as it deflected to give them an early lead.

Nine minutes later, the visitors had doubled their advantage from a defence-splitting pass which also went past the goalkeeper again. The young Brazilians seemed to be struggling to find their rhythm as they continued to fight at the back, trying to block the Stellenbosch attack from scoring more goals.

The home side came close to scoring through Thulani Zandamela but his effort was blocked by the keeper’s leg. Onele Rulwana also looked to score through a long-range shot but it slightly went over the bar. Eventually, Xavier Jodamus found the back of the net in the 28th minute for Masandawana.

Just before the break, the visitors scored again, heading to the game two goals up over the hosts.

A few minutes into the second stanza, marching orders were given to a Downs defender after denying a Stellenbosch striker a scoring opportunity. This did not leave coach David Notoane’s side vulnerable, instead, they looked more motivated to turn things around quickly.

The Western Cape-based side were awarded a penalty kick which went in to put them to four goals. It did not take time before Jodamus retaliated with a strike that went past the defense to keep the hope alive for his side.

In the 90th minute, substitute Bennet Mokoena hit a third for Bafana Ba Style to close in the gap. With four minutes of injury time added, the resolute Downs continued to find more goals to at least share spoils with their visitors but were unable to get it right as they registered their third loss of the season.

How we lined up: Shabangu, Sibande, Sithole, Mampane ©, Sibiya, Jodamus, Mokoele, Kekana, Siquba, Zandamela, Rulwana.

Subs: Mohlabine, Mokoena, Booysen, Nkabinde, Ngqakabana.

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