Mamelodi Sundowns returned to winning ways at home following their 3-0 victory over Sekhukhune United on Saturday night at Loftus Versfeld.
The hosts were dominant from the get-go because just outside the ten-minute mark, a gutsy Bathusi Aubaas fired a shot from range to try and break the deadlock, but the ball was headed out to deny them an opportunity to lead. Masandawana continued to apply pressure in Babina Noko’s box because ten minutes later, they took the lead through their own goal. Aubrey Modiba managed to put the ball in the space of uncertainty between the away side’s defenders and goalkeeper, which caused the error when an own goal was slotted into the box.
After the goal, the visitors looked more dangerous as they took over the ball and pulled threatening shots on the Downs half. They were also putting the press on, which almost worked to their advantage. They capitalised on an error and struck a dangerous shot, but luck was on the hosts’ side as Ronwen Williams dived to his left to block the ball.
Despite the titanic tussle between the two sides in the closing stages of the first half, it was the hosts that went to the break with a goal advantage.
Two minutes into the return of play, a penalty was awarded to Masandawana. Arthur Sales took the penalty and sent the goalkeeper in the opposite direction to double the lead for his side.
Babina Noko heaped the hosts with pressure, which sent Williams to work hard. They posed two threats for Masandawana, one shot going wide and the other seeing Williams coming off his line to smack it away just over the hour mark.
The proceedings were concluded by Iqraam Rayners in injury time. He received the ball from Thapelo Maseko, who came in as a substitute, then finished it off with a chip on the right corner of the net to make it three for his side. They will look to maintain the momentum when they return to the CAF Champions League at the weekend.
How we lined up: Williams ©, Kekana, Aubaas, Khoza, Mudau, Modiba, Mkhulise, Allende, Ribeiro, Sales, Rayners.
Subs: Onyango, Mvala, Morena, Mokoena, Saavedra, Maema, Kodisang, Maseko, Shalulile.
