Mamelodi Sundowns moved 13 points clear at the top of the DStv Premiership table with a 2-1 victory over Sekhukhune United on Tuesday night.
Masandawana coach Rulani Mokwena made wholesale changes from the to loss at Esperance, with goalkeeper Denis Onyango, Mosa Lebusa, Lesiba Nku, Rivaldo Coetzee, Junior Mendieta and Tashreeq Matthews getting starts.
Matthews gave the host the ideal start first minute on the clock when he latched onto a loose ball in the box and calmly slotted home into the far corner.
It was two in the space of six minutes as Matthews turned provider to set-up Thapelo Morena, who doubled matters with an equally smart execution.
Babina Noko bounced back from the slow opening and should’ve halved the tally through the head of Jamie Webber, but he misguided Elias Mokwana’s cross well beyond target.
The champions-elect were needed to make a substitution ten minutes before the interval, as Onyango was forced off with an injury and replaced Jody February, who was making his first official outing for the club this season.
Babina Noko turned to the bench themselves on the cusp of halftime as Chibuike Ohizu came in for Webber before Lehlohonolo Mtshali made way for Kamohelo Mokotjo.
Sekhukhune got the lifeline in the opening five minutes of the second half where Brian Onyango brought down Vusumuzi Mncube to win a penalty and saw Ohizu fired in.
Mokwana came close to draw level after going on a mazy run to pick out Mncube around the box, but resilient defending from Masandawana smothered them.
Sundowns sat on the edge yet again and were unfortunate not to surrender the lead when a pin-point header from Ohizu shaved narrowly wide in the closing stages.
Matthews could’ve had a double ten minutes to fulltime from the telling delivery of Lebusa, but couldn’t get past a surging Badra Ali Sangare.
Babina Noko missed a golden chance to snatch a point in added time after Mokotjo fired over from close-range, as Masandawana snatched victory to remain unbeaten and moved closer to the title.
Confirmed line-ups:
Mamelodi Sundowns: D.Onyango, Maboe, D.Onyango, Lebusa, Coetzee, Nku, Maema, Mkhulise, Morena, Matthews, Mendieta
Subs: February, Mashego, Seabi, Mbule, Nkosi, Buthelezi, Mabena, Esquivel, Sirino
Sekhukhune United: Sangare, Mobbie, Tiwani, Tshibwabwa, Cardoso, Mtshali, Mokwana, Webber, Mntambo, Mkhize, Mncube
Subs: Mtswani, Rikhotso, Ntiya-Ntiya, Carnell, Mokotjo, Sifama, Masiya, OhizuYou must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
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