Mamelodi Sundowns returned to winning ways with a high-tempo performance, overcoming a spirited AmaZulu FC 5-2 in a seven-goal Betway Premiership thriller at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening.
In a 5-2 win, the CAF Champions League reigning champions scored goals from Tebogo Mokoena, Tashreeq Matthews and a brace from Brayan Leon to move level on 10 points with log leaders Orlando Pirates after four games. On the other hand, Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya scored the two goals for the away side.
Masandawana needed to bounce back from their disappointing 1-0 defeat against Golden Arrows in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final at home this past weekend.
The Brazilians started the match against Usuthu on a high, dominating the goal-scoring chances created in the opening exchanges. Downs broke the deadlock in the 25th minute with a beautiful volley from Brayan Leon.
In the 32nd minute, Teboho Mokoena doubled the lead for the Tshwane giants from a dead-ball situation after bending his free over to the AmaZulu goalkeeper to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.
After going into the half-time break with a two-goal lead, AmaZulu responded quickly in the second half, scoring a goal through Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya in the 46th minute.
However, Usuthu’s goal only lasted a few minutes after Sundowns hit the third goal courtesy of highly-rated winger Tashreeq Matthews. Goals kept coming in for Sundowns, who scored five goals in the match.
After all the action in the closing minutes, Sundowns emerged victorious after claiming a 5-2 win to go into their second leg of the MTN8 semi-final against Golden Arrows high on confidence.
FARPost looks at all the talking points of the match.
TEBOHO MOKOENA RETURNS FROM INJURY
The midfield workhorse returned to the starting line-up after sustaining an injury in the MTN8 quarter-final against Polokwane City FC.
Mokoena marked his return to the matchday squad with a sublime free-kick goal, playing a major role in handing Downs maximum points.
LEON AND NGWENYA BAG BRACES
In a match that rained goals, Brayan León netted a brace for Mamelodi Sundowns, while Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya scored two consolation goals for the KZN-based outfit.
AMAZULU’S DOUBLE SUBSTITUTION IN FIRST HALF
AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane initiated double substitutions in the first-half, pulling off Omega Mdaka and Sphamandla Zikhali.
Keagan Allan and Siyanda Hlangabeza took the places of the substituted players, although the chances didn’t make any difference as Sundowns went on to claim a victory.
RONWEN WILLIAMS LEAKING GOALS
The Bafana Bafana international has had a challenging start to the new season as he’s seemingly struggling for form between the sticks.
Williams has already conceded six goals and kept only two clean sheets in four matches across all competitions this season.
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