On Wednesday night, Mamelodi Sundowns solidified their position at the summit of the Betway Premiership, extending their lead to a commanding 15 points with a 4-2 victory over Sekhukhune United.
Following their previous triumph against TS Galaxy, Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso opted to reintroduce Aubrey Modiba and Teboho Mokoena to the starting lineup.
Furthermore, Tashreeq Matthews was reinstated into the squad after completing his suspension.
Despite entering the encounter in good league form, Sekhukhune found themselves trailing after just 15 minutes. Jayden Adams delivered a precise pass to Thapelo Morena, who exhibited excellent control before unleashing a volley into the far corner of the net.
Katlego Otladisa, reinstated into the Sekhukhune United setup, emerged as a significant threat down the right flank during their attacking phases. The winger came close to scoring with a well-executed left-footed strike after 26 minutes.
Otladisa's persistence paid off in the 34th minute as he capitalized on a poorly executed clearance from Sundowns' goalkeeper Jody February, firing the loose ball into the net to register his inaugural league goal for Sekhukhune.
SUAREZ’S FIRST GOAL FOR MASANDAWANA
However, the Tshwane giants swiftly re-established their advantage just four minutes later. January recruit Lucas Suarez rose highest to head home Marcelo Allende's corner kick, after Sekhukhune United's goalkeeper, Badra Ali Sangaré, misjudged his attempt to collect the delivery.
The early exchanges of the second half proved to be dynamic, with Sekhukhune United squandering a clear opportunity to equalize within two minutes of the restart. Andy Boyeli, through on goal, directed his shot wide of the target with only February to overcome.
Babina Noko were promptly punished for this missed chance in the 57th minute.
Lucas Costa Ribeiro demonstrated predatory instincts to seize upon a loose ball resulting from a collision between Rayners and Sangare, exhibiting composure to slot home his 11th league goal of the campaign.
Subsequently, coach Cardoso elected to introduce Arthur Sales and Bathusi Aubaas as substitutes. Sales swiftly justified his introduction, extending Sundowns' lead in the 66th minute with a well-placed strike from outside the penalty area after receiving a pass from Aubrey Modiba.
Just four minutes later, Sekhukhune reduced the deficit to two goals, exploiting a momentary lapse in concentration within the Sundowns' defense.
Keletso Makgalwa calmly slotted the ball past February, registering his fourth goal of the season.
Despite this brief defensive vulnerability, Sundowns effectively managed the remaining period of the match, securing a hard-fought victory.
However, a late caution issued to Modiba will render him unavailable for Saturday's highly anticipated fixture against Kaizer Chiefs.
