Staff Reporter.
Mamelodi Sundowns secured a 1-0 win over TS Galaxy in the DStv Premiership match at the Mbombela Stadium.
The victory saw Sundowns open a seven-point gap at the top of the league standings with four games left, while the Galaxy remained eighth on the log.
The Rockets looked to contain Masandawana in the opening exchanges with Mlungisi Mbunjana and Bathusi Aubaas pulling the strings from midfield for the home side.
However, the visitors broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Peter Shalulile scored with a header from close range to hand Sundowns a 1-0 lead after the hosts had failed to clear Aubrey Modiba’s corner-kick.
Shalulile had a chance to grab his brace just before half-time when he connected with Khuliso Mudau’s cross, but his headed effort went wide of the target and the score was 1-0 to Sundowns at the interval.
Marks Munyai was introduced by Galaxy head coach Owen Da Gama in the 71st minute as the home side searched for the equalizing goal, but they were struggling to create clear-cut chances.
Galaxy had a chance to snatch a late equalizing goal in stoppage time, but somehow Masilake Phohlongo placed his effort just over the crossbar from inside the box, and ultimately, Sundowns consolidated their 1-0 win.
“Like I told you before playing against Owen Da Gama any time that he coaches it’s never easy because one the team has got good intensity,” Manqoba Mngqithi said after the match.
“They don’t give you time on the ball. They work very hard and we had to break down and get something and fortunately we managed to get our goal which I think opened the game up a little bit. We started getting some inroads behind their defence because initially they were sitting deep and when they got desperate and opened up a little bit, that’s when we brought Peter to come and play as a nine because we were looking for the space behind.
“But the most unfortunate part is that we struggled to get that insurance. The game looked like it was going down to that game where in the last stages we need to be more focused. They nearly caught us with a set-piece in the dying minutes of the game.
“It’s never easy to play against Owen. One must thank the boys. They worked very hard. Considering that we have been playing back to back, games close to another. These games were important to stamp our authority and to show everyone we are very keen to try and win this trophy.