A clinical first half performance has powered the Mamelodi Sundowns Diski Team to victory over the Golden Arrows Reserves on Saturday morning at the Lucas Moripe Stadium. Goals from Ntokozo Siquba and Tshiamo Masisi confirmed a lopsided 3-0 score to help Masandawana return to winning ways.
The first two real chances of the game came in very early, and it was the hosts who posed the two threats through Siquba who was in front of goal. He was at the right place but was not lucky as he rushed the ball into goal.
Throughout the first stanza, the ball was on the Arrows half as Sundowns dominated possession and played quick football which the visitors were struggling to catch up on.
The hosts were brilliant on the counterattack as they looked to break the deadlock. It finally paid off when Thato Sibiya made a beautiful interception to supply the ball to Sipho Ngqakabana. Ngqakabana fired a shot that hit the woodwork, but Siquba’s resilience paid off as he found the rebound, shooting it straight into the net to open the scoring.
Masandawana were equally impressive on the counterpress as they snatched the ball from the defender in the danger area. With good communication, they were able to play it well in the box despite the scramble caused by the visitors. In the end, Masisi toe-poked the ball on the 26th minute to double the advantage for the Brazilians.
Coach David Notoane’s charges took advantage of the dominance in the stanza, because two minutes later, Siquba pulled one back to record himself a brace, putting the hosts within three goals of victory before the break. Another goal came in the final minutes of the first half from a corner but was flagged down by the referee to keep the score on 3-0 at the break.
Abafana Be’sthende looked more aggressive in the second half and were catching up to the pace of their Sundowns counterparts. With the changes they made, they had a few moments where they looked to challenge the Downs rearguard and add their names into the scoresheet, but that rearguard took charge at the back as they came in to clear danger. The chances that made it near the area went over the bar.
The Brazilians’ introductions in the final minutes of the match were comfortable with the ball as they were in sync with the rest of the team. Their harmony on the pitch was evident and despite trying to extend their advantage, the 3-0 scoreline was what they had to settle for at the end of the match.
How we lined up: Biyela, Sithole, Mampane, Sibiya, Mtyali, Masisi, Nkosi ©, Kekana, Ngqakabana, Mokoena, Siquba.
Subs: Shabangu, Nkabinde, Jodamus, Mokoele, Zandamela.
