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Record-extending Sundowns edge Galaxy

football24 January 2023 19:41| © Backpage TXT
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Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a PSL record-extending 13th successive victory when they defeated TS Galaxy 2-1 at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Tuesday night.

The win saw the defending champions open a 19-point gap at the top of the DStv Premiership standings and they are now set to face a stubborn and in-form Sekhukhune United side at home on Saturday.

On the other hand, the Rockets remained 12th on the standings having extended their winless run to five matches and they are scheduled to take on Lamontville Golden Arrows at home on Sunday.

Masandawana got off to the perfect start when Rushine de Reuck marked his return to the team with a goal. The defender headed home Gaston Sirino's corner-kick to hand Sundowns a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute.

However, De Reuck was then substituted five minutes later due to a head injury. The visitors continued to attack and Sirino had a chance to score in the 32nd minute, but the South American curled his effort wide of the target.

The Rockets had a few chances towards the end of the first half. Junior Traore turned well and fired wide of the target on the stroke of halftime before Sphiwe Mahlangu backheeled the ball past the near-post and the score was 1-0 to Sundowns at halftime.

Masandawana searched for their second goal of the match after the restart and they got it through their hitman Peter Shalulile. The 29-year-old scored from close range to make it 2-0 to Sundowns with the hosts' defence exposed in the 64th minute.

Galaxy coach Sead Ramovic reacted by making a triple substitution as the German tactician introduced Kamogelo Sebelebele, Ofentse Mongae and Vuyo Mere with 17 minutes left on the clock as the hosts looked to fight back.

Mongae was fouled in the box by goalkeeper Denis Onyango in stoppage time and Traore scored from the resultant penalty.

However, the goal proved to be a mere consolation for Galaxy as Sundowns held on to win 2-1 on the night.

Galaxy (0) 1 (Traore 90'+5)

Sundowns (1) 2 (De Reuck 11', Shalulile 64')

Galaxy: Buthelezi (Kolak 31'), Munyai, Sanoka, Msimango, Radebe (Sebelebele 73'), Mbunjana (Mere 73'), Mahlangu (Mongae 73'), Nyama, Parker, Hlongwane (Mlambo 87'), Traore.

Sundowns: Onyango, Morena, Ngobeni, Kekana (Lebusa 75'), De Reuck (Mandela 16'), Jali, Mbule (Zungu 75'), Mkhulise, Zwane (Saavedra 69'), Sirino (Ralani 69'), Shalulile.

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