Mailula continues hot form as Sundowns sink Gallants to equal Pirates and Chiefs

Mamelodi Sundowns moved level on points with Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs following a 2-0 victory against Marumo Gallants in a Premier Soccer League match on Wednesday.

Cassius Mailula continued his bright start to life on his Sundowns return as he scored the second goal after Malibongwe Khoza had opened the scoring in the first half.

Sundowns broke the deadlock in the 21^st minute when Khoza slammed home a good team goal. Fawaaz Basadien, getting a rare start, crossed the ball at the back post which was met by Bathusi Aubaas and the midfielder headed it in the box where Khoza was free and the defender shot home from close range.

Mailula doubles the advantage

Miguel Cardoso’s side had to wait until the 67^th minute for the second goal and it was from a familiar face. Mailula, who scored the equaliser in their 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday would make it 2-0 for his third goal in four matches since returning to the club last month.

A neat exchange of passes around the box saw Brayan Leon, who was tightly marked, flick the ball back to Mailula and the forward fired home on his left foot to make the points safe.

Sundowns kept asking the questions but could not add onto their tally. However, with a clean sheet and three points, Sundowns are now level on seven points with Pirates and Chiefs from three games but only third on the log on goal difference. AmaZulu FC, in fourth place, also have seven points.

Missed chances from Sundowns

It was a dominant performance from Sundowns who had other opportunities through Leon in the first half and substitute Themba Zwane in the second stanza but could make them count.

Siyanda Ndlovu also had a great chance to wrap up the win with a third goal three minutes from time but drew out a good save from Gallants goalkeeper Emile Lako.

It is a good warmup for Sundowns’ MTN8 semi-final second leg against Golden Arrows on Sunday as they will head into the game high on confidence.