The Mamelodi Sundowns Diski Team were the side to emerge victorious in the tough 3-2 battle against the Golden Arrows Reserves on Saturday morning at the Tuks Stadium.
Masandawana had an immediate impact with Xavier Jodamus’ big chance from the right flank but his attempt sailed over the bar.
On the 6th minute, after continuously knocking on the door, the hosts broke the deadlock. Thato Sibiya had driven the ball to the final third on the left and he crossed it inside. Chuene Moabelo then finished with a powerful shot that hit the tongue of the net.
Abafana Besthende had opportunities to move the ball forward from their counterattacks but Downs did not let them get to the final third. They almost levelled matters after capitalising from Downs’ mistake but Tshiamo Masisi cleared the chance away.
After roaming around the Arrows half looking to score, Bafana Ba Style managed to break through the white and green wall. It was on the 22nd minute when Thapelo Maseko from outside the box, fired a shot that found the back of the net.
Six minutes later, an own goal was scored in favour of Downs. Siyabonga Mabena had looked to slot the ball in but it was intercepted on the nearpost. The interception, however, rolled into the net to make it three for Downs.
Maseko had another opportunity to score when Gomolemo Kekana delivered the ball to him. Unmarked, Maseko ran into the area and took a soft shot that met with the keeper’s body.
Both sides had scoring opportunities in the final stages of the opening half but were unable to convert. This saw the hosts heading to the interval with a three goal advantage.
The second stanza kicked off with a big chance from Moabelo who had received the ball from Sibiya’s cross. His finish, however, sailed over the bar. Sibiya kept supplying balls from the left flank but the finishers were not clinical to extend the lead for Downs.
On the 56th minute, after terrorising the Downs rearguard, Arrows scored their first goal. The visitors started forcing the hosts to be on defence and not get any scoring chances.
From the counter, Kekana made a pass to Maseko from the other half. Maseko then made a run to the area. His convincing shot was, however, smacked away by the keeper. Kekana himself also took a chance from range with a powerful shot but his effort was also denied by the keeper when he tipped it away.
In the final stages of the match, the referee pointed to the spot in favour of Arrows following a hand ball inside the box. The penalty taken was converted. This saw them close in but with not much time left, the tight game ended with the Brazilians on the lead.
How we lined up: Biyela ©, Sibande, Sithole, Tiwani, Sibande, Masisi, Kekana, Moabelo, Jodamus, Mabena, Maseko.
Subs: Menemene, Siquba, Maake, Mlondo, Mokoele.
