Mamelodi Sundowns’ Diski Team came from behind to defeat the TS Galaxy Reserves in a tight 2-3 victory on Saturday morning at the Mafori Mphahlele Stadium. It was goals from Bennet Mokoena, Siyabonga Mabena, and Kabelo Sibande that helped Downs walk away with all points on offer.
It was the hosts that had the first threatening opportunity inside the box, but Sibanda cleared the ball away with a powerful shot. They dominated the opening minutes of the match and were taking their chances, but they just were not getting it right.
On the 15th minute, Downs were forced to make an early substitution after Xavier Jodamus got concussed while defending a corner kick.
Downs also had scoring opportunities, but was not clinical with the finishing. Mabenawas set up nicely on the left flank. He made a run into the box, but the ball got snatched off his feet. His second effort was blocked by the goalkeeper’s body.
In the 29th minute, from the left flank, Galaxy went past the goalkeeper, Nqobani Biyela. They were also faster than the Downs rearguard, as they went in to slot it in, breaking the deadlock.
Four minutes later, following a good build-up, Mokoena fired a powerful shot that found the back of the net to level matters. As a result, the two sides went to the break with a goal apiece.
Bafana Ba Style opened the second half proceedings with a goal. Sibande’s cut-back found Mabena, who was on the edge of the box. His shot went past the goalkeeper to see his side snatch the lead. It, however, didn’t take time before the hosts capitalised on a Downs error to level matters.
The match became even tighter, but the young Brazilians were the hungrier side as they were not looking to settle for a draw. In the closing stages of the match, after continuously knocking on the door, the Pretoria-based side managed to snatch back the lead through Sibande’s tight-angle shot. The resilience of the team sees them walking away with maximum points and securing the second place on the log.
How we lined up: Biyela ©, Sibande, Seedat, Sithole, Sibiya, Masisi, Jodamus, Kekana, Siquba, Mokoena, Mabena.
Subs: Menemene, Maake, Moabelo, Mlondo, Gaseitsiwe.
