Staff Reporter.
Mamelodi Sundowns secured a hard fought 1-0 win over an impressive TS Galaxy outfit at Loftus Versfeld stadium on Wednesday evening.
Sundowns enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession in the first half and they attempted twice as many shots as the opposition, although Ira Tape wasn’t tested nearly enough for their liking.
Masandawana threatened as early as the fifth minute when an effort from Peter Shalulile went narrowly past the post before Tashreeq Matthews also saw his shot drift wide of the mark on 12 minutes.
Nuno Santos managed to draw a save out of Tape on 24 minutes, but a deflection took all the sting out of his strike from range, with Khuliso Mudau then clearing the crossbar in the 32nd minute after lining up a shot from the edge of the area.
Ronwen Williams was called into action twice in quick succession three minutes later to prevent Adnan Beganovic’s side from taking a surprise lead as the two teams went into the break still at level pegging.
Sundowns continued to dominate proceedings after the restart and they finally made the breakthrough 16 minutes into the second half as two substitutes combined, with Iqraam Rayners cutting the ball back for Arthur Sales, who produced a clinical finish from inside the box.
Teboho Mokoena nearly doubled their lead nine minutes later, but Tape pulled off an outstanding save to turn his curling effort behind for a corner.
Galaxy offered very little in attack throughout the second half and the Tshwane giants saw out the remainder of the game without much fuss to claim their seventh victory of the season.
Betway Premiership Results
Durban City 1-0 Marumo Gallants
Siwelele 2-0 Stellenbosch FC
Orlando Pirates 3-1 Golden Arrows.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.