By Michael Madyira
Mamelodi Sundowns made light of Tuesday evening’s work to beat Marumo Gallants 4-1 in a Premier Soccer League clash at Loftus Versfeld.
Tashreeq Matthews hinted at a successful outing for the Brazilians with his ninth-minute opener before Iqraam Rayners doubled the hosts’ advantage on 34 minutes.
Lucas Ribeiro Costa extended the Brazilians’ lead three minutes into the second half, while substitute Sphelele Mkhulise ensured victory with 19 minutes to go.
Gallants got their face-saver through Gabadinho Mhango with two minutes remaining on the clock.
It was Sundowns’ second straight league victory, but Bahlabane ba Ntwa have now recorded three consecutive defeats this season.
Again, there was no place for Khuliso Mudau and Teboho Mokoena in the Masandawana starting lineup while captain Themba Zwane was an unused substitute as Peter Shalulile started from the bench.
Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi was unavailable due to injury, while former Orlando Pirates midfielder Xola Mlambo was benched.
As both teams were still trying to settle into the contest, Matthews hit home to punish Vusi Sibiya for failing to clear a cross from the right flank.
A blistering counter-attack ended with Rayners clinically turning in a Matthews cross for his second league goal of the season.
The Brazilians put the contest out of their visitors’ reach when Ribeiro coolly beat Gallants’ goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi after being set up by Matthews, who was enjoying a fine evening.
Substitute Mkhulise then unleashed a powerful shot, forcing Akpeyi to make a double save as Shalulile was ready to pounce on the spill in the 67th minute.
Shortly after, Mkhulise was rewarded after profiting from Gallants’ substitute goalkeeper Nicholas Mlambo’s failure to clear danger while under the challenge of Matthews.
Gallants substitute Mhango drew a brilliant save from Ronwen Williams with six minutes to go, and soon after, Zuko Mdunyelwa conceded a penalty for the hosts.
But Mhango shot straight at Williams, who had no trouble saving the kick.
The Malawian forward then redeemed himself by connecting a Daniel Msendami cross.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende vies for possession against Marumo Gallants forward Daniel Msendami
Source: PSL
