Mamelodi Sundowns have taken one step closer to being crowned the DStv Premiership champions following their 3-0 win over TS Galaxy on Monday night.
The clash between Bafana Ba Style and the Rockets took place at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane.
Masandawana came into this encounter with heavy hearts as they were eliminated of the CAF Champions League semi-finals by ES Tunis last Friday.
The Brazilians have now resumed their hunt for the DStv Premiership triumph by beating the Mpumalanga-based outfit at home.
Below are the talking points from this match.
BERNARD PARKER RETURNS
Veteran striker Bernard Parker returned to the matchday squad for Galaxy after suffering a career-ending injury when they faced Sundowns in the Carling Knockout Cup on 18 October 2023.
It took 195 days for the former Kaizer Chiefs frontman to return after the Bongani Zungu horrible tackle and do what he loves the most – playing football. Parker was unlucky to have his penalty saved by Ronwen Williams.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS PLAYERS RULED OUT
Sundowns came into this contest without six key players due to different injuries.
The six players are Rushine De Reuck [knee injury, Stage 3 Rehab], Teboho Mokoena [amstring injury, Stage 2 Rehab], Abdelmounaum Boutouil [groin injury, Stage 1 Rehab], Siyanda Nyanga [knee injury, post-operation, Stage 3 Rehab], Thapelo Maseko [ankle injury, Stage 1 Rehab], and Divine Lunga, [shoulder injury, Stage 2 Rehab].
PETER SHALULILE SCORES BRACE
Peter Shalulile served his doubters humble pie as he scored a brace tonight after going seven league matches without finding the back of the net.
‘Shasha’, as he’s popularly known within the football circles, broke the deadlock in the 26th minute. The Namibian international did not stop there as he added to the scoreline in the 35th minute of the game.
Shalulile has now scored six league goals. Overall, he has netted 12 goals across all competitions.
In the 64th minute, super-sub Thembinkosi Lorch scored the third goal of the night for Sundowns, making sure they buried the match.
All goals scored tonight were assists from the captain himself, Themba Zwane.
RED CARD FOR ORRBOTSE MONGAE
Galaxy’s Orobotse Mongae was shown a straight red card after a dangerous on Bongani Zungu in the 85th minute. Zungu had to be withdrawn due to injury as he couldn’t continue. It meant Sundowns had to finish the match with 10 men.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS NEED THREE POINTS TO WIN DSTV PREMIERSHIP
Sundowns are just three points away from securing their seventh straight league title in the DStv Premiership.
The Brazilians are yet to suffer a loss in the SA elite league this campaign. The Sundowns are the first PSL team to go unbeaten in the first 23 games of the league this season.
RELATED STORY: Sundowns’ Malebogo Modise’s impressive loan spell fuels ambitious goal
