By Michael Madyira
Mamelodi Sundowns were on the losing end again in their tour of Austria following Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat by Dynamo Kyiv at Sportstadion Worgl.
After losing 2-0 in their first friendly match against German third-tier side SV Sandhausen, the Brazilians suffered another defeat – but this time at the hands of the Ukrainian giants.
Senegalese winger Samba Diallo grabbed the only goal of the match on 26 minutes.
Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi fielded a near full-strength starting line-up, which had key players like Grant Kekana, Mosa Lebusa, Khuliso Mudau, Terrence Mashego, Teboho Mokoena, Marcelo Allende, Aubrey Modiba, Themba Zwane and Thapelo Maseko.
This was a big change from their match against SV Sandhausen, when they started with a second-string team.
Teboho Mokoena hit the crossbar in the 20th minute but Sundowns found themselves trailing six minutes later when Diallo finished a cross from the right side.
At half-time, coach Manqoba Mngithi made wholesale changes, bringing on goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse alongside Rivaldo Coetzee, Divine Lunga, Rushine de Reuck, Thapelo Morena, Sphelele Mkhulise, Kutlwano Letlhaku and Peter Shalulile.
With 15 minutes to go, Letlhaku hit the upright with a low shot before proceedings ended with Masandawana failing to score for a second straight match.
Meanwhile, on the same evening, Orlando Pirates continued on an encouraging path in their tour of Spain with a 1-1 draw against Granada at Banus Football Center.
Gilberto grabbed the Buccaneers’ goal after 19 minutes before Shon Weissman struck back for the Segunda Division outfit three minutes later.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro retained goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, Olisa Ndah, Thabiso Lebitso and Monnapule Saleng as the only players who started in the 2-0 win over Sevilla.
It was new signing Gilberto’s first start of pre-season and Pirates went ahead after the Angolan had come on the end of a Patrick Maswanganyi ball.
Pirates thought they had reclaimed their lead on 65 minutes but substitute Tshegofatso Mabasa saw his effort being cleared off the goal line.
It ended one apiece for the two sides as the Soweto giants remained unbeaten on their Spanish tour.
Pictured above: Aubrey Modiba controls the ball while under the challenge of a Dynamo Kyiv player.
Source: Mamelodi Sundowns
