Downs wrap-up Diski Challenge with a defeat

Mamelodi Sundowns reserve side rounded what was a poor 2021-22 season of the DStv Diski Challenge with a 3-2 defeat at the handa of Maritzburg United at Mpumalanga Stadium on Saturday.

As the score line suggests in favour of Maritzburg, it could have been more with a glut of chances they created. They just couldn’t put Surprise Moriri’s side to the sword.

The Team of Choice quickly grabbed the game early on, going ahead through Asanda Buthelezi in the seventh minute. The powerful striker finished off a free flowing move.

However, Sundowns grew in confidence and Maritzburg goalie Mcebisi Langa’s goal was peppered.

In the 36th minute, it was not surprising when the Tshwane giants even the numbers. Ofentse Mashiane gave them what they have been looking for in this half, climbing highest to knock the header down and beat Langa.

That goal gave Sundowns wind in their sails. They were on top of Maritzburg at that time. While that was the case, Sundowns forgot that Maritzburg had a potent striker upfront in Buthelezi.

Their goalie Khulekani Kubheka had to rush off his line to stop Buthelezi, stealing the ball off the feet when the powerful striker was about to pick an angle.

Maritzburg made their dominance count just three minutes into the second half. Sundowns could not clear their lines and Buthelezi found a yard and curled the ball past Kubheka to see Peter Petersen’s side take the lead once more.

As Sundowns dropped their game, Maritzburg punished Moriri’s side again. Ex-Bafana Bafana left-back, Bradley Carnel, his son, Cameron, scored the third for Maritzburg, putting in a brave face in front of the cluster of Sundowns players to head in the 67th minute.

Soon after that, Maritzburg had another chance to kill the encounter. This time Carnel almost turned provider, bringing on a terrific cross for Kamvalethu Cele but the latter could not find a target.

As Sundowns showed their undying spirit. Cassus Mailula’s thunderbolt strike from range saw the game end 3-2.

Sundowns coach Moriri summed up the season that it was not their best, as they are likely to finish outside the top eight with 43 points after 30 matches. That will depend on how Royal AM does against SuperSport United.

For Maritzburg, the win saw them move into the top eight, with 42 points after 30 matches.