Peter Shalulile’s hat-trick hands Sundowns win over Marumo Gallants
Mamelodi Sundowns continued their fine form with a 3-1 victory over Marumo Gallants in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 clash at the Toyota Stadium on Thursday night.
The showdown was looking like a case of definitely rather than maybe for the DStv Premiership defending champions – and the Tshwane giants’ technical team were loving every moment of it.
It was the visitors who started the match the better and enjoyed the ball possession in the wide areas.
The Brazilians took a lead in the eighth minute of the contest through the ever-consistent Peter Shalulile.
Masandawana never slowed down as they began to knock the ball around as they settled following the opening goal.
Gallants, on the other hand, struggled to create any chances of note.
Raymond Mdaka’s side tried to find an equaliser before the half-time break, but their efforts were fruitless.
In the 26th minute, Shalulile added to the scoreline as he completed his brace.
However, seven minutes after the restart Boitumelo Pheko pulled one for the hosts.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS LEADING AT HALF-TIME
The mouthwatering first half went into the interval with the Sundowns leading by a 2-1 scoreline.
In the second stanza, the Nedbank Cup defending champions continued to enjoy a period of possession, pushing forward in numbers.
As the half progressed, the hosts continued to fail to break their opponents’ defence.
The intensity and pace of the showpiece grew drastically from Bafana Ba Style and their scoring opportunities were getting further away from the target.
PETER SHALULILE COMPLETES HIS HAT-TRICK
In the 74th minute, Shalulile completed his hat-trick to make it 3-1 for Sundowns.
The Namibian frontman’s hat-trick broke a record, as he is now the Nedbank Cup all-time top scorer with 14 goals.
Without a doubt, Gallants were totally floored by the Rulani Mokwena’s boys for the majority of the second half.
In the end, it was Sundowns who walked away victorious and became the first team to book the Nedbank Cup last 16 spot.
RELATED STORY: What Michael Loftman brings to Sundowns’ technical team