Mamelodi Sundowns continued their imperious run of form this season when they recorded a 2-0 victory over Gallants at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night.
Masanndawana looked in the mood from the start, as they lurked in Gallants’ final third. Plenty of chances were created but the keeper remained firm on his spot, denying the hosts an early opener.
Upon his return to the starting lineup, Fawaaz Basadien found himself on the attacking side of things. On the left flank, the defender fired a shot looking to find the back of the net on the fourth minute but the keeper stretched his body to block the ball.
Just after 15 minutes, the visitors created their first chance of the match that came from a counterattack opportunity. The effort was struck from the left side which Williams smacked away and quickly collected before any white jersey could get to the ball.
On the 21st minute, Malibongwe Khoza broke the deadlock through an effort that had come from a corner kick. He found a rebound and triggered a shot that was unexpected by both the Gallants keeper and his defenders. A few minutes later, again, Khoza rattled the Gallants defence through a half-volley effort but this time around, the keeper caught the ball to deny the defender a brace.
On the other end of the field, Williams got tested again when Bahlabane Ba Ntwa drove the ball to the box from the left flank. The shot intended to find the back of the net was smacked away by the Downs keeper.
Tashreeq Matthews almost concluded the opening stanza with a goal when he was left unmarked. Looking to slot it in on the nearpost, Matthews’ effort missed the target by a few inches. This saw Masandawana heading to the interval with just a goal lead.
An opportunistic Cassius Mailula almost doubled the lead for the Brazilians on the 50th minute. After an individual run by Matthews towards goal, the ball was handed to Mailula who was unmarked. He managed to go past the keeper and struck the ball towards goal but his effort was cleared just before crossing the goal line by the Gallants defence.
Williams was forced to backtrack to his spot after a long-range effort was triggered by the Gallants side. He managed to catch the ball to deny the visitors a leveller.
A clear-cut chance presented itself for the hosts when Siyanda Ndlovu delivered the ball to Themba Zwane but Zwane’s first touch let him down as the ball got snatched from him.
A 67th minute powerful finish by Mailula doubled the lead for the Pretoria-based side. An under pressure Brayan Leon couldn’t make his way through the defenders so he made a backheel pass to Mailula who left no chance for the keeper.
Masandawana made multiple attempts to find more goals. They also were in control of the game but were just not getting it right in making it three goals. Ndlovu almost pulled one back in the final stages of the match after he squeezed through to find space. His shot was, however, tipped out by the keeper. While they were more opportunities to score from both sides, it is the hosts that emerged victorious.
How we lined up: Williams ©, Mudau, Khoza, Kekana, Basadien, B. Mokoena, Allende, Aubaas, Matthews, Mailula, Leon.
Subs: Goss, Mvala, Modiba, Mdunyelwa, Zwane, Mkhulise, Rayners, Ndlovu, Letlhaku.
Hard fought victory and,we made it difficult by not converting chances created.We must play with more aggression on Sunday to make sure we wrap up this contest on the first leg.I really think in Ndlovu we found the missing puzzle that we’ve been searching all the years.His pace and creativity we demolish opponents.In my opinion Aubaas the man of the match.Very sad to loose Mudau,i think the coach is over working other players,Mudau,Williams and Mathews have been carrying more workload than other players.I don’t understand why coach doesn’t trust Mudunyelwa,the boy is a quality player,last season when Mudau was not playing he was even selected to the national team.The same goes to Mathews,him, Letlhaku and Van Wyk should alternate,towards the end of last season Letlhaku was our best attacking player ,he even played both legs of the champions league,no he is back to square one.The coach must learn how to manage his squad properly.