Parity has been restored after the Mamelodi Sundowns Diski Team defeated the Cape Town City FC Reserves 2-0 on Sunday morning at the Idas Valley Stadium in an exciting festival encounter.
With no intentions of leaving the winelands empty-handed, the Brazilians displayed good football and were composed, especially in the first half. They kicked off the game with a few chances but none of them capitalised.
It did not take long before the home side retaliated and had a serious chance that could have seen them break the deadlock but the Downs goalkeeper cleared it away.
The visitors continued to knock but missed more chances to find the back of the net. Another threatening attempt came from Kutlwano Letlhaku but the ball hit the crossbar to deny them an opener.
In the final minutes of the first half, the Masandawana defence squad were tested but they showed up and blocked what could have been a late opener for City. The two sides went to the halftime break deadlocked and Downs dominating possession.
The second half saw the hosts taking a quick chance from the corner but were denied. The hour mark hit with no goals apiece. Coach Themba introduced a few faces to boost the chances of goals for his side, following a few injuries reported.
With four minutes left on the clock, Downs were awarded a corner kick which was delivered by Kutlwano Letlhaku. The ball found Malibongwe Khoza in the nearpost where he headed it to find the back of the net, breaking the deadlock.
Coach Themba’s charges looked to extend their lead which they were able to do four minutes after their opener. The heroic goal came from Keabetswe Ramotsei who was set up by Thando Buthelezi. Ramotsei made no mistake and with speed, drove the ball to the box to make it two for his side from a tight angle.
Of course, the young stars were not satisfied with the two goals, they were looking to extend their lead. The encounter was concluded with an attempt that went a few inches wide, coming from Siyanda Nyanga. The Pretoria-based collected the three points and will be looking to continue in this manner.
How we lined up: Raludzingana, Mohanwe, Khoza, Mampane, Nkabinde, Nyanga, Rulwana, Mabena, Buthelezi, Nkosi ©, Letlhaku.
Subs: Shabangu, Ramotsei, Mthembu, Norawana, Nkonxeni.
Very good guys we need this trophy this season by fire by force