Mamelodi Sundowns moved to the top of the Betway Premiership log after beating Orbit College FC 2-0 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Monday evening.
A first-half goal by Arthur Sales and a second-half header by debutant Brayan Leon secured the maximum points for Masandawana.
Sundowns were missing their Bafana Bafana stars, who recently did duty for the national team at the AFCON in Morocco.
This includes Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba and Bathusi Aubaas. However, they welcomed back captain Ronwen Williams while Denis Onyango, who represented Uganda at the tournament, was on the bench. New signing Monnapule Saleng did not form part of the squad as he is still nursing a serious injury.
Zambian international goalkeeper Cyril Chibwe, who officially signed for the club last week, made his debut for the North West side while veteran midfielder Surprise Ralani started the match from the bench.
Just like Chibwe, Ralani signed for the club last week after coming out of retirement. The fixture was the first of the second round in the Betway Premiership following the CAF Africa Cup of Nations break.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS SHOWS THEIR DOMINANCE DURING THE WIN AGAINST ORBIT COLLEGE
Sundowns were the first to pose danger as early as the fourth minute when Jayden Adams hit the post with a thunder volley inside the 18-area box. Chibwe was forced to make a save four minutes later after a shot from striker Lebo Mothiba inside the box.
Action was temporarily suspended for a few minutes in the 20th minute following a floodlight failure at the stadium.
ARTHUR SALES AND DEBUTANT BRAYAN LEON SECURE MAXIMUM POINTS FOR MASANDAWANA
It did not take two minutes after action resumed for the home side to take the lead after Arthur Sales capitalised on a mistake by Orbit College goalkeeper Cyril Chibwe, slotting home with an excellent finish. Chibwe redeemed himself four minutes later after a brilliant save to deny Mothiba.
The visitors’ first attempt at goal came at the half-hour mark through striker Lucky Mahlatsi, but his shot went over the bar. Sundowns went into the halftime break leading 1-0.
Both teams made changes coming into the second half, with Orbit bringing in the experienced Ralani for his debut, while the home side also brought in new signing Brayan Leon.
Orbit were dealt a huge blow after goalkeeper Chibwe had to be taken off in the 58th minute due to what looked like a hamstring injury.
Sundowns doubled their lead in the 65th minute through debutant Brayan Leon from a decent header following a cross by SA junior international Thato Sibiya.
With the win, Sundowns are now on 29 points, a point above Orlando Pirates, who have played two games less.
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