Mamelodi Sundowns soared to the top of the Betway Premiership table after a commanding 3-0 victory over Magesi FC at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday, with Iqraam Rayners netting a brace.
The showdown got off to a good start, with the two sides trying to gain an advantage by testing each other’s goal.
In the fourth minute of the game, Ronwen Williams was called off his line to clear the danger after Magesi’s attempt into the box.
Five minutes later, Williams was forced to make a brilliant save to deny a threatening effort from Wonderboy Makhubu’s shot.
As the half progressed, Miguel Cardoso’s troops regained momentum, became dominant, and created a couple of scoring opportunities. However, Masandawana were unable to find a breakthrough against the resilient Dikwena Tsa Meetse.
But with Bafana Ba Style putting pressure on the visitors, Kutlwano Letlhaku broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute of the showpiece, thanks to Thapelo Morena’s assist.
In the 42nd minute, Samuel Darpoh was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge on Arthur Sales.
During their first game of the season last month at the Seshego Stadium, Magesi also finished the match with one man down as Lehlohonolo Mtshali was shown a red card in the 79th minute. Sundowns walked away victorious with a 2-0 scoreline.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS LEADING MAGESI FC AT HALF-TIME
The halftime whistle blew with the Brazilians leading John Maduka’s side 1-0.
The second half began with a continuous flow of goal attempts from the hosts. In the 53rd minute, Aubrey Modiba broke into space and sent a pass towards Iqraam Rayners, whose header was deflected by a defender.
While Sundowns kept up the pressure, Magesi’s chances remained limited as the hosts stayed disciplined at the back. In the 66th minute, Rayners doubled the lead for the Chloorkop-based side with a perfect cross from Thapelo Morena that found him unmarked in the box. Just eight minutes later, Rayners completed his brace with a beautiful header into the bottom corner from a set piece.
The victory saw Sundowns jump to the summit of the Betway Premiership log with 14 points after six matches.
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