Mamelodi Sundowns overcame rivals Orlando Pirates in comfortable fashion at Loftus Versfeld stadium on Friday afternoon to win their final game of 2022. Despite the tricky conditions The Brazilians shoed poise and control to earn three points to solidify their place at the top of the DStv Premiership table.
Before the game kicked off the home fans were treated to a one-of-a-kind opening ceremony with a performance from Mamelodi-born Hlogi Mashigo and a dance routine from 100 local children.
On the pitch, the game got off to a cagey start, with the damp conditions forcing both sides to come out of the blocks cautiously to avoid making mistakes. The first chance of the game came in the 7th minute when Marcelo Allende opportunistically tried to catch Pirates goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane off his line with a long range keeper which was saved.
The first half was characterized by Masandawana’s domination of possession in the opposition half and when they were tested, shot stopper Ronwen Williams stoood firm to deny efforts from Monnapule Saleng and Thapelo Xoki.
The Brazilians edged into the lead four minutes before half time when Mothobi Mvala towered above the Pirates defense to head home a Mercelo Allende delivery into the box. Mvala’s performance in the heart of defence would go on to see him crowned man of the match as Downs went into the break a goal to the good. Despite the jubilation of Mvala’s goal, spirits were dampened moments before half time as Abubeker Nasir was stretchered off after picking up an injury in a collision with Mpontshane in the box.
Young forward Cassius Mailula entered the pitch after the break to replace Nasir and ot stuck in within minutes as he came close to latching on to Gaston Sirino’s low cross into the box. Mailula would make his mark on the game shortly after the one our mark, as he tapped home Neo Maema’s rebounded shot to double the lead.
The technical team refereshed the team on the pitch throughout the remainder of the half as Sipho Mbule, Haashim Domingo, Sphelele Mkhulise & Sifiso Ngobeni all made their way onto the pitch. Despite the comfortable lead, Downs continued to look hungry for a third and were denied by Mpontshane who saved Zwane’s one-on-one effort.
The win sees Masandawana continue their strong home form and end off the calendar year at the summit of the DStv Premiership table, with 31 points collected from the opening 13 games.
The action will continue to come thick and fast in the new year, as Bafana Ba Style gear up for another home encounter against Swallows FC on Tuesday evening.
How We Lined Up.
Williams, Mudau, Mvala, Kekana, Morena (Ngobeni), Mokoena, Allende (Mkhulise), Maema (Domingo), Zwane ©, Sirino(Mbule) , Nasir (Mailula)
Subs: D. Onyango, De Reuck, Mkhulise, Ngobeni, Domingo, Jali, Mbule, Motupa, Mailula
One game at a time
Indeed, we take it one game at the time. Good performances all round and was impressed by Nasir, before the unfortunate incident which should have been a penalty.
Nevertheless, we.move on and congratulations to Cash for getting a goal but I still.say there is still a lot of work to be done on his side. I was looking at his run off the ball, his handling and protection of the balls as he receives it….there lies an area of.improvement but am sure he is working with an experienced technical team that will take him to another level. As they say the game is a a teacher, so he will grow each game he plays.
Thank you for the win and performance under those conditions. Polokwane training camp seem to have worked perfectly. Please prepare well for Swallows
Happy masandawana
Good win masandawana, I’m just warried with the level refs in psl, what happens to nassir is bad and the ref saw nothing wrong. so the poor guy coming back from injury and first game send him back to the sidelines again yoooh.
What a performance!!! All the players…. Even those that came on… I’m so sad for Nasir… I’m afraid of the worst but hoping for the best… Such badluck. He’s looks like he’s out for the season. Congrats to the club… The team looks untouchable. This should be scary for the other 15 clubs… This team looks set to win the league for the next 4 or 5 seasons.
Is it too much to ask for an update on Nasir’s injury this early, it’s so unfair, so soon after he recovered from another injury
Happy new year to all of you yellow Nation.
The game on Friday was so enjoyable even though it felt like we were just watching yellow nation having a training.
I don’t know how many of you have an opportunity to see our fifa game the way we play now it has similarities. Abanamali cash and carry has great future. Deadly finisher in the box reminded of makgwale under pitsour that means we can produce great players it is up to them and technical team to work together and be patient with one another.there is also Calse from mdc deadly in front of Goal’s .like am just concerned about what happened to promise. He was a captain of Casius and he was bit ahead of him.
Guys future looks great and Musane doing well as a left back of Rich boys they were playing together nabo promise and Casius. There is this boy with sweet left foot Male no Modise many more .let us just feel the stadium guys to witness all this great foot ball um Mshishi Mr 100% 365 days
Umshishi I slave se disk.
About Allande kom dans or kyk