Mamelodi Sundowns extended their 100% winning start when they defeated Chippa United 2-0 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the DStv Premiership action on Saturday night.
The match began with an early test for both Ronwen Williams and Stanley Nwabili, The Brazilians goalie went high up to collect the incoming cross from the right side of the pitch. Teboho Mokoena took a powerful shot that went on target, forcing Nwabili to make a save.
Just moments before the 10th minute mark, Downs right back Lesiba Nku unleashed a powerful shot that went on target, but the goalkeeper managed to deflect the shot, sending it out for a corner kick. Marcelo Allende stepped up to take the corner kick, but the follow up play didn’t unfold as planned and Chippa regained possession.
As the game progressed, in the 15th minute, Themba Zwane delivered a precise defensive split pass, putting the ball perfectly to find Lucas Ribeiro Costa who was positioned between two United defenders. Justice Chabalala of Chippa committed a foul when he tried to stop Ribeiro’s run, but his action set up an opportunity for Sundowns to test the keeper once more. Aubrey Modiba got ready to take the free kick but his effort met a solid wall formed by the Chippa defenders.
The home side worked their way back into the game towards the half hour mark and began to press on the yellow defense, Mulenga took a long range shot that went over the goalposts. Masandawana followed with an opener 5 minutes later, Modiba scored his first league goal of the season assisted by his captain, Zwane. The 34-year-old midfielder delivered the ball all the way from the middle of the field to connect with Modiba as he opened up his body to slot one in.
The defending Champions turned up the tempo and began to apply more pressure, Ribeiro cut the ball back into the box looking for Zwane, but Chabalala connected with it to beat his own keeper Nwabali and gave Downs their second goal in this match. Brazilian international Ribeiro took the last free kick for Downs in the first half and hit the upright as they looked to extend the lead. When play resumed and the half time break was approaching, Williams made two saves to keep Bafana Ba Style in the lead, the first attempt from the Chili Boys came through Mulenga as he coupled up with Ronaldo Maarman’s run in the box, Williams put his foot out to stop the ball. The last goal scoring opportunity for the home team came in the form of Ayabulela Konqobe who delivered an on-target ball that Williams saved by pushing it over the posts.
In the second half Chippa made immediate changes and introduced Sirgio Kammies, the 25-year-old defender’s goal attempt was blocked, quickly showing United’s intentions in the match.Another threatening remark was made by the hosts, forcing Rivaldo Coetzee to make a crucial intervention and dispossess Augustine Mulenga of his chance to take a shot at Williams.
Maarman came into action again once more with another opportunity as he trapped and shot on target that was delivered upfront, but his efforts couldn’t find the back of the net. With 30 minutes left to play, Mothobi Mvala delivered the ball from his side back into play for Grant Kekana, the Chili Boys blocked out the danger and regained possession as they moved the ball out of their half.
Masandawana began their changes with a double substitution of Zwane and Nku, the two players made their way off for Junior Mendieta and Neo Maema. Bathusi Aubaas and Terrence Mashego were the next set of players to come on to the pitch for Allende and Modiba, with Bongani Zungu being the final change to the Downs line-up. The encounter ended in a 2-0 dominant performance displayed by the defending Champions and solidified the number 1 position on the standings. A standout player in this match was Allende, who earned the Man of the Match award.
How we lined up: Williams, AB Boutouil, Kekana, Mvala, Coetzee, Mokoena, Allende, Ribeiro (85’ Zungu), Zwane © (70’ Mendieta), Modiba, Nku (70’ Maema).
Subs. D. Onyango, B. Onyango, Aubaas, Mashego, Mendieta, Mbule, Maema, Mabena, Zungu.
Hi masandawana happy for the performance of team. 3 fat point as well. Happy to see the collaboration between Mnqithi and Rulani. Team first their personal issues must be put aside. Also Rulani must swallow his pride and acknowledge that Mnqithi is the best. Rulani is given the authority but that does not mean he is superior. Rulani must learn to humbled and work with other people. But yesterday I was very impressed to see that collaboration between Him and Mnqithi. Like it or not Mnqithi and Rulani are both needed to our beloved downs. So that we will continue to conquer the continent
Humbleness from uRulani that’s what I’m praying for. I’m saying this once again thanks URulani and Mnqithi for collaboration I witnessed yesterday. Big up team first.
Greetings yellow Nation. Congrats to everyone who is the part of this family.Players and Technical Team we love you.Now we are on the first gear .allow me to say my concern sometime s,we turn to over do those passes at the back,but l am glad that the coach acknowledged that .yesterday. Secondly 10
players out we injuries that is crazy. I am sure the lads the going to improve with the accuracy of passing the ball ,Rivaldo gave away some passes.
Lastly we as Yellow Nation. The most of South African population they don’t like Sundownsfc Special the Media. Because they want Pirate and Chiefs to do better than Sundowns.
My point is let us stop of reading to the Media. They always try to destroy our Club.
We really don’t know what is in Manqoba and Rulani minds about each .Can you image of we lose few games, The Media will start saying is a conflict between the Coaches and players are not happy
Guys our duties to give supporter to team lets distance our to something we no sure about there is management at Sundowns to solve problem we not sure who has better knowledge between them lets enjoyed 3 points