Junior Mendieta’s last-gasp goal salvaged a 1-0 win for Mamelodi Sundowns against the relegation-threatened Richards Bay FC in the DStv Premiership on Tuesday night at Loftus Stadium.
Despite not being sharp enough on the day but the hosts had a never-say-die attitude and eventually snatched maximum points to force KZN outfit return home empty-handed.
RULANI MOKWENA RESTED REGULARS FOR YANGA SC CLASH
Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena made several changes, resting his regulars for the crucial CAF Champions League match against Yanga SC on Friday. The likes of Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, Thembinkosi Lorch, Ribeiro Costa, Peter Shalulile, Aubrey Modiba, Ronwen Williams and Marcelo Allende were among those who were in the stands.
Tashreeq Matthews got his first start in the colours of the Tshwane giants in what was his sixth appearance for the side since joining in January. Dennis Onyango, who’s been a second choice since the arrival of Williams, started in goals.
THE NATAL RICH BOYZ CHASING SHADOWS
As expected, the KZN side was struggling to keep up with the home side. The Brazilians were dominating possession but had the challenge to dismantle the visitors’ back line. Heading into the break, the league champions had enjoyed 80% ball possession but didn’t produce much in front of goal.
Whenever Bay won the ball, they had Sanele Barns and Khuda Myaba posing the danger up-front. However, Dennis Onyango was always alert and made a couple of saves denying them from ratting the net.
SECOND-HALF ATTACK-MINDED CHANGES FROM THE MAMELODI SUNDOWNS BENCH
Just 15 minutes into the second half, Mokwena made a triple change as Sundowns couldn’t find the breakthrough. He brought on Lesiba Nku, Neo Maema and Junior Mendieta taking off Gaston Sirino, Matias Esquivel and Tashreeq Matthews.
They continued with their dominance in ball possession but struggled to create goal-scoring chances with Salim Magoola not having much to do in goals.
LATE GOAL FROM JUNIOR MENDIETA HANDED SUNDOWNS LATE VICTORY
Mendieta, who came from the bench, produced a fantastic display and put the ball at the back of the net in the additional time to snatch the three points for Sundowns.
OTHER RESULTS:
- AmaZulu FC 0-0 Polokwane City
- Sekhukhune United 2-2 Cape Town City
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