Sundowns’ late show sinks stubborn Magesi as they open six-point lead

Published on by Joel Oliver

Mamelodi Sundowns’s late pressure paid off as they secured a 2-1 win over Magesi FC in the PSL on Wednesday.

Sundowns appeared headed for 1-1 draw at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium after seeing a Peter Shalulile goal harshly ruled out for offside but still prevailed.

The Brazilians were put on the backfoot when Wonderboy Makhubu scored a 12th minute goal for Magesi after getting the better of Grant Kekana and Prince Khoza to head home a great cross.

Sundowns then had a great chance from Iqraam Rayners but Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze saved before they were forced into an early change when Khuliso Mudau went off injured to be replaced by Thapelo Morena.

How did Mamelodi Sundowns win it?

Magesi went to halftime leading 1-0 but Sundowns turned on the style after the break and the pressure paid off in the 64th minute when Lucas Ribeiro scored the equaliser.

Ribeiro scored from a half-volley following an Arthur De Sales knockdown and the goal sparked more attack from Miguel Cardoso’s team.

Sundowns thought they had found the match winner soon after when Shalulile headed home but the goal was ruled out for offside although replays suggested the goal should have stood.

There was no denying Cardoso’s team five minutes from time, however, when Tashreeq Matthews fired home a cross that was deflected in to beat Chipezeze in goal.

Cardoso’s side open six-point lead

Matthews would have scored a third goal for Sundowns in stoppage time when he found himself one-on-one with Chipezeze but the goalkeeper denied him.

There was drama at the end when both teams ended with 10 men as Samuel Darpoh and Divine Lunga were sent off following a fist fight.

Sundowns now open up a six-point lead as they have taken their tally to 33 points from 12 games, with Pirates, who had their match against Royal AM cancelled, on 27 from 11 matches. 

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Joel Oliver

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.