Mamelodi Sundowns see off stubborn Milford to move level with Pirates

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Mamelodi Sundowns see off stubborn Milford to move level with Pirates
Aubrey Modiba and Antonio van Wyk of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate a goal against Milford. Image: Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns kept pace with Orlando Pirates following a 2-0 win over newly-promoted Milford FC in the Betway Premiership at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday.

Aubrey Modiba was the architect for Sundowns’ victory as he created the two goals by setting up Iqraam Rayners and Antonio van Wyk to score in the first and second half.

Sundowns took command of the game from the start but it was Ronwen Williams making the early saves when he was forced to dive left to keep out a long-range effort.

Cassius Mailula, Antonio van Wyk and Aubrey Modiba of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate a goal.
Cassius Mailula, Antonio van Wyk and Aubrey Modiba of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate a goal. Image: SuperSport

Bennet Mokoena then had a good chance for Sundowns after 25 minutes but his attempt sailed over the bar and in the 43rd minute, Tashreeq Matthews thought he had scored the opening goal when he beat the Milford goalkeeper and released the ball but he watched agonizingly as it was cleared off the line.

Rayners’ goal but injury woes pile

However, Sundowns’ pressure continued and in first half stoppage time, Modiba cut back from a tight angle after beating his marker out wide on the left, the ball falling to Rayners, who was unmarked in the box, for an easy tap in.

In the second half, Sundowns players were on the end of some rough treatment from their physical visitors and in the 56th minute, right-back Zuko Mdunyelwa added to coach Miguel Cardoso’s injury woes when he was stretchered off to be replaced by Thapelo Morena.

Iqraam Rayners, Mamelodi Sundowns
Iqraam Rayners, Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Mamelodi Sundowns

With Khuliso Mudau out until next year, Cardoso will hope that Mdunyelwa, who was holding his groin as he was being taken off, is not badly injured as he would be left with limited options at right-back.

Sundowns show Milford who is boss

Moments later, Teboho Mokoena, who recently returned from injury, looked to be getting off the pitch after a rough tackle on his right ankle from Khanyisane Radebe but he would receive treatment and continue.

Cardoso then took off Matthews for Siyanda Ndlovu, having brought on Cassius Mailula for Bennet Mokoena a little earlier, and the two nearly combined for the second. Against the run of play, Ndlovu found Mailula but the forward found the side netting instead.

The Brazilians would take the game beyond Milford 15 minutes from time when Modiba squared the ball to an onrushing Van Wyk and the new signing made no mistake for his third in Sundowns colours and first in the league.

Following the win, Sundowns have maintained their unbeaten start to the season and they are level on 13 points with Pirates with only goal difference keeping Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side at the summit.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a sports journalist covering South Africa, with 16 years in sports media and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Focused on football analysis and responsible gambling, his work has appeared on GOAL and Pulse Sports Kenya, and he is a regular football analyst on TV and radio.

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