Mamelodi Sundowns strengthened their hold on top spot in Group C as they overcame USM Algers 1-0 in a tightly contested affair at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker.
The opening stages saw a high-tempo start from both teams, with the hosts enjoying the lion’s share of possession and Downs having to demonstrate their defensive discipline. Denis Onyango stood tall in goals and was called upon early to make two important saves in the opening fifteen minutes.
Both sides showed their Champions League pedigree and spent much of the first half cancelling each other out. The two sides went into the break scoreless.
Knowing how vital three away points could be in a tough group, Downs started the second half with renewed energy and took the game to the hosts, Hlompho Kekana fired a shot at goal within seconds of the referee’s whistle. Downs continued to threaten the opposition with Gaston Sirino coming close with a well-struck shot.
The Brazilians eventually found the breakthrough in the 58th minute with Kekana seizing upon a defensive error before rounding Mohamed in goals and calmly slotting home.
Coach Pitso Mosimane soon rung the changes as he brought on Tiyani Mabunda and Lyle Lakay in an attempt to close out the game.
Downs withstood a late flurry of chances from the hosts to secure three important points and end the year on a high.
Mosimane expressed his pleasure at his sides ability to grind out a strong result:
“I’m so happy that we passed the first ten minutes because they put us under a lot of pressure, but we settled after that. I am happy with the result.”
“We still have nine points to play for, but we are going to have to fight for them.”
The win sees The Brazilians end 2019 on top of group C with seven points after three games played.
Amasandawana ajabulile thank u boys and the technical team we are so proud of you.KBY I remain
Thank you boys you made us proud, well done yellow machines
Championship mentality has taken its toll at the Soundowns camp. The experience is paying off. If a team can withstand such pressure away and come out with victory what else can you ask for. Well done, winning in North Africa gives us hope and courage to soldier on. Out of the 9 points to play for, we can get 5, 7 or 9.The mentality is right, the attitude is just excellent, champions will always show such a character. We salute the Team, technical team, you did your homework , players executed the plan. Obviously championship does allow one to lead only to lose the game, its either you increase or protect the lead. Wonderful stuff.
Technical team did their home work thoroughly, The players executed the task with aplomb, we did not create much as they did not give us any space however Captain excellent got forced the chance and he executed it excellently. Records were broken and milestones achieved, 300 games for the Captain and he scores a very important goal. I cannot ask much from you i can only encourage you to continue with that excellent performance, I smell the second star. this is the year that we must brake records. Thank you boys. MOTSEPE SIYA I THANDA I SUNDOWNS.
Technical team did their home work thoroughly, The players executed the task with aplomb, we did not create much as they did not give us any space however Captain excellent forced the chance and he executed it excellently. Records were broken and milestones achieved, 300 games for the Captain and he scores a very important goal. I cannot ask much from you i can only encourage you to continue with that excellent performance, I smell the second star. this is the year that we must brake records. Thank you boys. MOTSEPE SIYA I THANDA I SUNDOWNS.
Thanks Bafana bastyle keep it up kaboyelo for life?
Thank you Masandawana amahle.
Thank u very much #kby…we love you
We saw a 2019 full of hope for the team, working hard to make sure the yellow nation remains happy. For sure we ended the year happy, those hard fought wins were preparations of things to come. We await in hope for 2020. Maybe 3 more cups are loading,who knows. We depend on the foot soldiers.
Sundown is the team of my life KABO YELLOW