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Sundowns claim revenge over Magesi, open six-point lead

football22 January 2025 19:30| © Backpage TXT
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Mamelodi Sundowns claimed revenge over Magesi FC and opened a six-point lead at the top of the Betway Premiership with a 2-1 triumph at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Pietersburg on Wednesday night.

The Brazilians had suffered a shocking loss to Dikwena Tsa Meetse in the Carling Knockout final in November last year, and looked to be on course for a second defeat at the hands of the Limpopo club when Wonderboy Makhubu gave them an early lead.

However, the league champions responded strongly in the second half and claimed the three points thanks to goals from Lucas Ribeiro and Tashreeq Matthews.

Sundowns made the early running, but Magesi opened the scoring in the 12th minute against the run of play via Makhubu, who got on the end of a great cross from the left flank by John Mokone and directed the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Denis Onyango – albeit via his shoulder rather than his head.

The Brazilians also suffered an early injury blow, with Thapelo Morena forced to replace Khuliso Mudau at right-back.

The hosts should have doubled their advantage on 37 minutes when Makhubu pressured Malibongwe Khoza into a mistake and was then faced with only Onyango to beat, but the ‘keeper moved quickly off his line to close down the angle and make a brave block.

Sundowns made a double change at the start of the second half, introducing Arthur Sales and Tashreeq Matthews, and both would have key roles to play in their two goals.

On 64 minutes Sales provided a cushioned header into the middle of the box which allowed Lucas Ribeiro to score with a superb left-footed volley for 1-1.

Fifteen minutes later Sundowns thought they had scored a second, with Peter Shalulile heading home, but the Namibian was flagged offside.

Television replays suggested that the goal should have stood.

Nonetheless, the Brazilians kept up the pressure and were rewarded with a somewhat fortunate goal on 86 minutes, as Matthews saw his shot-cross from the left deflected into his own net by Magesi defender Delano Abrahams.

Matthews had a great chance to add a third goal early in injury time when he went free on a counter attack, but he was denied by a brilliant save from Elvis Chipezeze.

The match ended with ugly scenes as both Divine Lunga and Samuel Darpoh were sent off after a messy scuffle.

The teams will next be in Nedbank Cup action, with Sundowns hosting Sibanye Golden Stars on Saturday 25 January, while Magesi will welcome SuperSport United on Tuesday 28 January.

Magesi FC (1) 1 (Makhubu 12’)

Mamelodi Sundowns (0) 2 (Ribeiro 64’, Matthews/Abrahams og 86’)

Magesi: Chipezeze, Abrahams, L. Mokone, Buthelezi, J. Mokone, Mekoa (Makhubela 74’), Darpoh, Vandala, Kakora (Mtshali 81’), Rademeyer (Motupa 90’), Makhubu

Sundowns: Onyango, Mudau (Morena 14’ [Lebusa 51’]), Kekana, Lunga, Khoza, Mokoena, Mkhulise (Sales 46’), Allende, Ribeiro, Shalulile (Aubaas 89’), Rayners (Matthews 46’)

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