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Sundowns edge Sekhukhune in opening-day thriller

football04 August 2023 19:43| © Backpage TXT
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Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a hard fought 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United in their opening DStv Premiership encounter at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday night, as both teams ended the game with 10 men on the pitch.

Goals from Peter Shalulile and Lucas Costa was enough for Downs to bag maximum points on away soil, despite Jamie Webber pulling one back for his side at the hour mark.

In two standout talking points of the game, Vusimusi Mncube and Rivaldo Coetzee were sent off for early showers during the match.

Sundowns enjoyed most of the ball during the early exchanges of the match and took the patient approach in their build-up play. With Sekhukhune on the back foot, the Brazilians slowly began applying in wide areas of the pitch.

The reigning champions were then awarded a penalty in the 10th minute of the match, after Edwin Gyimah was spotted handling the ball inside the box.

In stepping up to the spot, Peter Shalulile sent goalkeeper Bangare Sangare the wrong way and gave his side the lead.

In a major talking point of the match, Vusimusi Mncube received his marching orders in the 16th minute after the referee spotted a studs-up challenge on Aubrey Modiba on the edge of the Downs area.

Sundowns continued to boss the possession count as the match progressed while Sekhukhune provided little threat going forward.

As the half came to a close, Downs searched for the second goal but were met by aggressive defending by the home team.

WEBBER PULLS ONE BACK

The Brazilians applied pressure as soon as the second-half whistle was blown and played most of their football in the Sekhukhune quarters.

Babina Noko attacked in sporadic moments and struggled to make the most of their attacking advancements.

Sundowns doubled their lead in the 56th minute as Lucas Costa opened his account for the Chloorkop side. After turning defence into attack, Marcelo Allende found Thapelo Maseko with a well-weighted through ball into the area who squared the ball to Costa who slotted the ball into the back of the net.

The hosts pulled one back on the hour mark after Jamie Webber converted a clever freekick on the edge of the Sundowns box.

With wind in their sails, Sekhukhune actively searched for an equaliser and ventured forward with urgency.

Downs looked menacing in counter-attacking situations and often troubled the Sekhukhune defence with their speed and passing movements.

With 10 minutes left on the clock, Babina Noko struggled to get a grip of the encounter while Downs kicked into game-management mode.

In yet another major talking point of the tie, Rivaldo Coetzee was shown a straight red card in the 85th minute, after the referee cited the midfielder for a retaliation incident with Webber.

Nonetheless, Sundowns held on to secure their first win of the 23/24 DStv Premiership at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Sekhukhune United: (0) 1 (Webber 60’)

Mamelodi Sundowns: (1) 2 (Shalulile 12’ Costa 56’)

SEKHUKHUNE UNITED: Sangare, Ntiya-Ntiya, Gyimah, Cardoso, Mobbie, Bwalya (Thutlwa 45’), Mokotjo, Webber, Mncube, Mokwana (Mosadi 80’), Ohizu

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS: Williams, Boutouil, Lebusa, Mudau, Modiba (Maseko 45’), Mokoena, Coetzee, Allende (Kekana 90’), Zwane (Mendieta 80’), Costa (Maema 68’), Shalulile (Zungu 90’)

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