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.
Miguel Cardoso's perfect start in the #BetwayPrem remains untouched 😏✅
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) January 22, 2025
Sundowns extend their lead at the top of the standings 🔝#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/tcF9iRyVdv
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.
That Magesi goal has Miguel Cardoso worried 👀
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) January 22, 2025
📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQWD1K pic.twitter.com/cqNat3YsVi
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.
Denis Onyango's heroics keeps Magesi out ❌
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) January 22, 2025
This fixture is heating up now 👀
📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/74UfLcaZ77
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.
You just know Lucas Ribeiro is firing these ones in at practice 🤯
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) January 22, 2025
📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/ysraZetdzD
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.
Who would've predicted this to end the match? 😲🔴🔴
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) January 22, 2025
📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/mkeopaO3dZ
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.
This is the result Sundowns and Cardoso needed 🎙️⚽#BetwayPrem | #SSDiski pic.twitter.com/hMWFhytAT3
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) January 22, 2025
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’)