Sales’ strike enough to down Galaxy as Sundowns retain top spot

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Sales’ strike enough to down Galaxy as Sundowns retain top spot

Mamelodi Sundowns laboured to a 1-0 win over TS Galaxy on Wednesday night at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

The defending champions came into the match against the Rockets as favourites owing to a good record in the recent past between the sides.

Masandawana needed maximum points to stay clear of the likes of Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs who have shown massive improvement in recent games. As a matter of fact, they came into the match level on points with Amakhosi who were undone by the inferior goal difference.

Williams keep Sundowns in the game

The Brazilians needed just five minutes to threaten as Peter Shalulile found his way past the defenders, but he somehow missed the target as the ball flew just wide, off the mark.

Masandawana continued pushing for an opener, but getting it right against the Rockets wasn't a walk in the park. Tashreeq Matthews found space in the 12th minute and unleashed a long-range effort that, unfortunately, swerved off the targe.

Three minutes later, Khuliso Mudau had to be alert to stop Seluleko Mahlambi from finding the target following a well-worked move by the visitors.

It was Galaxy who ended the first half on a high as Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams made a double save to deny Junior Zindoga and Keita respectively and enure the teams went to the break level.

Sales wins it for Masandawana

Galaxy looked comfortable sitting back and stopping Sundowns from getting sight of their goal. It explains the lion's share of possesion by the defending champions who tried as much as they please to work their way into the danger zone.

The Sundowns' technical team made changes, bringing in Arthur Sales, after the break, and Iqraam Rayners who replaced Peter Shalulile in the 54th minute.

The duo combined in the 61st minute, with the former Stellenbosch captain setting up the South American who did well to find the bottom corner and give his team a deserving lead.

The win took Sundowns' points tally to 25 from the 12 Premier Soccer League games played.

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are close with 22 points in the second and third positions respectively.

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

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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