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Sundowns thump Galaxy, close in on title triumph

football29 April 2024 19:30| © Backpage TXT
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Mamelodi Sundowns defeated TS Galaxy 3-0 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Monday night and moved to within one result of clinching the DStv Premiership title.

Peter Shalulile netted a first-half brace (to take his personal tally against Galaxy to seven goals in as many games) and substitute Thembinkosi Lorch added the third in the second stanza as ‘Downs moved to 23 unbeaten league matches this season.

The Brazilians’ seventh successive league championship – and a 17th overall – could be confirmed later this week if second-placed Stellenbosch FC lose at home to Golden Arrows on Wednesday, or if Sundowns themselves defeat Kaizer Chiefs away from home on Thursday.

The Rockets, meanwhile, suffered a third loss from their last four matches across all competitions, but remained in fifth place on the log.

Sundowns dominated possession from the early minutes, but they were unable to create any clear chances in the opening quarter of the match.

However, on 26 minutes, the hosts took advantage of some sloppy defending from Galaxy, as Themba Zwane’s cross from the right picked out an unmarked Peter Shalulile, who swept home a right-footed shot to make it 1-0.

And the Namibian racked up a second goal on 35 minutes, clinically finishing off a superb team move which saw successive back-heels from Tashreeq Matthews and Zwane to open up the visiting team’s defence.

Sundowns’ third goal arrived just under 20 minutes into the second half, with substitute Thembinkosi Lorch firing home from inside the penalty area after being teed up by a combination of fellow substitute Neo Maema, Shalulile and Zwane.

Sundowns dialled up the style in the final quarter but were unable to add to their advantage, while Galaxy’s tough evening was given a further dent when substitute Orebotse Mongae was shown a straight red card on 85 minutes for a clumsy, late challenge on Bongani Zungu.

The Rockets were awarded a penalty in injury time when Thapelo Morena tripped up Mlungisi Zwane, and veteran Bernard Parker – who made his first appearance since recovering from a broken leg suffered earlier in the season – saw his spot kick superbly saved by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

The teams will return to DStv Premiership action later this week, with Sundowns visiting Kaizer Chiefs on Thursday 2 May, while Galaxy will be away to Sekhukhune United on Friday 3 May.

Mamelodi Sundowns (2) 3 (Shalulile 26’ 35’, Lorch 64’)

TS Galaxy 0

Sundowns: Williams, Mdunyelwa, Kekana (Morena 76’), Lebusa, Mashego, Aubaas (Zungu 76’), Mkhulise, Matthews (Maema 61’), Zwane, Esquivel (Lorch 61’), Shalulile (Nku 81’)

Galaxy: Ntwari, Munyai, M. Mahlangu, Sanoka, Kabini, Mbunjana, Mvelase (Zwane 71’), Dithejane (Mongae 59’), Sebelebele (Rakwena 71’), S. Mahlangu (Semache 71’), Nurkovic (Parker 90+1’)

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