Mamelodi Sundowns beat a hopeless Marumo Gallants 4-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening to regain top position on the Betway Premiership log.
Tashreeq Matthews, Iqraam Rayners, Ribeiro Costa and Sphelele Mkhulise scored the four goals for Masandawana, who have now made it two wins out of two games in the Betway Premiership.
Sundowns welcomed back players such as captain Ronwen Williams, Musa Lebusa, Rivaldo Coetzee, Grant Kekana and Thapelo Morena, who were rested during the CAF Champions League encounter against Mbabane Swallows.
Striker Peter Shalulile was also dropped to the bench with Iqraam Rayners coming in in his place. Divine Lunga, Terrence Mashego, Neo Maema and Arthur Sales are missing due to injuries.
On the other hand, pressure has been piling on Gallant’s coach, Dan Malesela, who had lost the two opening matches of the season.
HOPELESS MARUMO GALLANTS SUFFER DEFEAT TO DEFENDING CHAMPIONS MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Gallants had a glorious chance to open the scoring as early as the sixth minute. But Phathutshedzo Nange saw his close-range shot going over the bar after a cross by Siyabulela Shai.
Three minutes later, Tashreeq Matthews opened the scoring for the home side after a cross from the right-hand side by Thapelo Morena.
Midfielder Marcelo Allende missed an opportunity to make it 2-0 for Masandawana in the 21st minute as his effort soared over the crossbar.
The home side finally got the second goal following a dominant display by striker Iqraam Rayners, who slotted in from a Matthews assist. The match went to the half-time break, with Sundowns leading 2-0.
BETWAY PREMIERSHIP DEFENDING CHAMPIONS OUTCLASS STRUGGLING OPPONENTS AT LOFTUS VERSVELD
The Brazilians continued where they left off into the second half as Ribeiro Costa scored a third goal three minutes into the half. Marumo nearly got one back through Daniel Msendami but his shot was saved by Ronwen Williams.
Daniel Akpeyi produced a brilliant save after a shot from Sphelele Mkhulise. The Nigerian goalkeeper injured himself in the process and was replaced by Kagiso Mlambo. But the debutant immediately made a terrible blunder, which resulted in the fourth for Sundowns.
Marumo were awarded a penalty with five minutes remaining after Zuko Mdunyelwa fouled Mphambaniso Monde inside the box. But Gabadinho Mhango missed from the spot kick. The Malawian redeemed himself moments later after he slotted in a consolation goal.
The win takes Sundowns to the top, tied on six points with Orlando Pirates, Golden Arrows, and Polokwane City FC, but Sundowns have a superior goal difference.
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