Pretoria – Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday handed coach Dan Malisela’s Marumo Gallants their third loss in the Betway Premiership season with a 4-1 Heritage Day beating inflicted at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
In the first forty-five minutes, Mamelodi Sundowns made their intentions clear when their winger Tashreeq Matthews scored with the Brazillians’ first shot on target, inside the first ten minutes, courtesy of Thapelo Morena’s low cross.
Marumo Gallants showed no fear of going head-to-head in ball possession with Sundowns, which led them to make spirited entries into the penalty area, but only one shot was on target.
However, Sundowns took back control of the game with Matthews laying an assist for target men, Iqraam Rayners, who made sure Masandawana went to the halftime break with a two-goal lead.
Coming back to the second half, Marumo Gallants made two substitutes with Phathutshedzo Nange and Kamohelo Mahlatsi making way for Thapelo Makobodi and Siyabonga Nhlapo.
However, Sundowns remained unshaken by Bahlabane ba ntwa’s substitutions and scored their third goal of the match through Lucas Ribeiro’s 47th-minute strike.
Marcelo Allende also came close to scoring the third goal for Sundowns; however, Daniel Akpeyi was in a good position to save the Chilean’s powerful strike.
In the final 20 minutes, coach Malesela’s side suffered a blow after goalkeeper Daniel Akpey was forced off with an injury.
Injured Akpey was replaced by Nicholas Mlambo.
Less than two minutes after his introduction, Mlambo made a costly mistake, which Sphelele Mkhulise took advantage of to score.
The goal more than sealed the victory for Sundowns.
Gallants were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of the game when Zuko Mdunyelwa fouled Monde Mdunyelwa inside the box.
However, Ronwen Williams, shortlisted for the Yashin Trophy, which recognises the world’s best goalkeepers as part of the annual Ballon d’Or ceremony, saved Gabadinho Mhango’s effort.
Mhango made amends a few minutes later and scored the only goal for Marumo Gallants.
Ka bo Yellow Head Coach Manqoba Mnqithi’s side shot to the familiar top spot of the league table.
Sundowns’ win pushes Orlando Pirates into second place.
Marumo Gallants remains in 16th position.
