The Mamelodi Sundowns Diski Team enjoyed another successful weekend in the DStv Diski Challenge, following a 1-0 win over the TS Galaxy Reserves at Tsakane Stadium. A second half goal from super sub Mzwekhaya Nkonxeni gave them a comfortable victory away from home.
Masandawana showed real determination to see out results from the get-go. They struck the first attempt through Siyabonga Mabena, who was set up by Akhanyile Norawana, but couldn’t get it right. It was an end-to-end game of football as the host side also looked to draw first blood. Downs shot stopper, Fanie Raludzingana was tested in the early minutes of the match but he was equal to task as he made important saves.
Keabetswe Ramotsei tried to pull one for his side through a long-range strike but was unable to put it past the TS Galaxy keeper as he cushioned the ball. To close off the first stanza, Ramotsei threatened the home side box when he almost broke the deadlock but the ball was cleared. The two sides went to the break deadlocked with no goal.
Despite the numerous chances created by Masandawana, as well as the dominating of possession, they were struggling to unleash a shot that would change the game. The clear cut chances were almost for nothing when the hosts fired towards goal from a promising position but Raludzingana and Norawana worked well together to ensure that the Downs goalkeeper’s gloves find the effort.
Coach Themba’s relentless side continued to take the chances and threatening the TS Galaxy box. Onele Rulwana almost opened the flood gates as he took a shot from a tight angle but it was cleared. Masandawana were awarded a corner which Rulwana took to find Ramotsei but Ramotsei’s efforts were blocked.
Beyond the hour mark, the Brazilians were awarded a corner kick and Rulwana took the kick. He played a short pass to Nkonxeni inside, who then hit the tongue of the net to put his side in the lead.
The modest passes around the area by the visitors saw substitute, Jerome Karelse almost doubling matters for his side in the final minutes of the match but the ball hit the woodwork to deny him a goal. Despite a few scares from The Rockets, Coach Themba’s side dug deep to find the maximum points and hold on to the lead against a very difficult side.
Starting lineup: Raludzingana, Ndebele, Nkabinde, Mohanwe, Norawana, Nkosi ©, Rulwana, Kekana, Buthelezi, Mabena, Ramotsei.
Substitutes: Shabangu, Mampane, Nkonxeni, Karelse, Letlhaku.
