Mamelodi Sundowns recorded an impressive away victory in Mpumalanga beating TS Galaxy 2-1 at Mbombela Stadium thanks to goals from Rushine De Reuck and Peter Shalulile.
The encounter took a frantic start with high intensity from both sides, Gaston Sirino took the first shot at goal in the seventh minute with the ball bouncing next to Melusi Buthelezi. A few minutes after working hard to retain ball possession, Rushine De Reuck slotted an incoming corner kick into the back of the net to give Masandawana the lead.
The 27-year old center back immediately fell to the ground after coming in contact with The Rockets defender as he scored and experienced what seemed to be a concussion injury. Downs were forced to make changes to their squad, Kenyan defender Brian Onyango was called up to take over and carry on in place of his teammate.
Galaxy had a chance to equalize just before 20 minutes, but their efforts were cleared by the great defensive work of the visitors. The Rockets goalkeeper was also forced to make his way off the field a few minutes later and replaced with Vasilije Kolak after picking up an injury.
The Brazilians dominated proceedings and showed the steel and determination of Champions. Sirino came close to extending the lead after the half hour mark, Themba Zwane supplied the winger with a pass betwen two defenders but the Uruguay international couldn’t connect the ball on target.
Downs attackers constantly were swapping positions in an effort to create space and continud to put pressure on Galaxy’s defense heading into the break but their chances were denied. The referee added six minutes extra time to be played, Galaxy played in a cross into the box where Tshegofatso Nyama tried to score with a backheel but the ball went out for goal kick and the first half came to an end.
Masandawana kicked off the second half full of attacking intent all night, Mshishi and Thapelo Morena played quick one-two passes and linked up with Sirino who aimed his shot high over the goalposts. The defending Champions finally saw their efforts rewarded after fighting their way into the box of the home team, Sipho Mbule and Zwane got into the heated action with fine passes and found Peter Shalulile at close range and the Namibian international finished off the ball into the back of the net.
It was end-to-end battle between the two teams with The Rockets not showing any signs of going down without a fight, however Bafana Ba Style kept the pace up. Double substitution was made just before seventy minutes, Surprise Ralani and Erwin Saavedra came on for Sirino and Zwane, meanwhile Bongani Zungu and Mosa Lebusa swapped with Grant Kekana and Mbule.
The home team showed determination to restore their pride on home ground and forced Sundowns to clear the ball off their goal line. Denis Onyango made a save from a long range free kick and resumed attack for his side. Pogiso Sanoka was up in action with a screamer that went far off target.
The Brazilians responded to the incoming threats, Shalulile forced a save from Kolak as an all-action second half was reaching it’s conclusion. The action at Mbombela was not over, Galaxy made their way into Onyango’s box and went for goal but Brian was hard at work as he cleared the ball out of danger, but the rebound went to the opposition and Downs goalie fouled a man in the box and a penalty was awarded.
The Rockets capitalized on their fortune and Junior Traore netted from the spot and earned a goal as the encounter closed off with victory for the defending Champions.
This is how we lined up:
- Onyango, Morena, Kekana (Lebusa), De Reuck (15′ B. Onyango), Ngobeni, Jali, Mbule (74′ Zungu), Mkhulise, Sirino (68′ Saavedra), Zwane (68′. Ralani), Shalulile.
Subs:
Pieterse, B. Onyango, Lebusa, Saavedra, Kapinga, Karelse, Ralani, Zungu, Maema.
Great game,great win I so wish teams have the same enthusiasm and will to win at all costs not only when playing against us.At the start of the season TS Galaxy caused an upset by stealing maximum points against us yesterday’s game was no different not respecting us at all and football was a winner.An unfortunate injury to a Foot Soldier DE Reuck after scoring with a great header wishing him a speedy recovery.We asked for the introduction of Jali and Sirino,they never disappointed us excepting the latter had an awful night of his own when it comes to finishing but he came with 2 assists for the game.Mbule is coming to the party,Ngobeni ran and owned the left flank tirelessly throughout the 90 minutes.At death we conceded a penalty that was converted by someone who was a thorn in the flash the whole game.Opening this gap will help us to concentrate to the Champions League as well as the NedBank cup.Fortunately we don’t have this drawback called games in hand.Saavedra was a great substitute with great control upfield thanks coach with wonderful substitutions&great win.
Great game and great win. Jali was the man of the match, he showed how he is our best defensive Middlefield, not playing him is a big mistake from our technical team, we don’t want to loose him as it was the case of Erasmus. Every body played well except Bongani who should improve his game especially when it come to cross the ball. My wish is to keep this team to play many games.