Matuludi shines as Sundowns overtake Pirates in PSL race

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Matuludi shines as Sundowns overtake Pirates in PSL race
Thabang Matuludi and Marcelo Allende, Mamelodi Sundowns vs Durban City, Image - Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns underlined their seriousness to re-claim the Premier Soccer League title with a 4-1 win over Durban City on Saturday night at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Masandawana knew they had to win the game to get back to the summit of the table especially after Orlando Pirates’ 2-1 win against Kaizer Chiefs earlier.

The technical team had to effectively balance the team to ensure they get needed result.

Coach Eric Tinkler wasn’t anticipating an easy fixture, but was still hopeful of getting a result away.

Matuludi on target!

Masandawana started the game brightly, exerting pressure in search of an early goal.

Cassius Mailula and Aubrey Modiba threatened earlier on, but Fredrick Asare did his job to ensure the ball didn’t find the back of the net. The former had a massive opportunity to score in the ninth minute, only for the custodian to produce a huge save.

In the 24th minute, Luphumlo Sifumba did well to play in Ethan Brooks but the latter couldn’t hit the target from a promising position.

The Brazilians eventually scored 10 minutes later through Thabang Matuludi, with Marcelo Allende providing the assist. It happened to be the only goal in the first half despite Sundowns dominating the proceedings.

Matuludi completes his brace

Sundowns continued to show their hunger after the break; Nuno Santos and Tashreeq Matthews came close in the 53rd and 57th minutes respectively as Durban City struggled to stop them.

But once again, it was Matuludi who completed his brace with another header, thanks to Aubrey Modiba who played the ball in. The Citizens were exposed especially on aerial balls where their defenders failed to match their opponents.

With 10 minutes to go, Siyanda “Skhwishi” Ndlovu who had been denied earlier by the goalkeeper, teed-up Iqraam Rayners who made no mistake to make it 3-0.

Jean Lwamba reduced the deficit with five minutes to go, but in the stoppages, Antonio Van Wyk connected Arthur Sales’ pass to make it 4-1.

Sundowns are now at the summit of the table with 26 points from 10 games, a point more than Pirates who have a game in hand.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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