Mamelodi Sundowns began their DStv Premiership campaign with a 2-1 victory over Sekhukhune United on Friday night at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. Both teams finished the game with ten players on the field in this thrilling encounter. Sundowns won thanks to goals from Peter Shalulile and Lucas Costa, despite Sekhukhune’s response at the hour mark from Jamie Webber.
Vusimusi Mncube and Rivaldo Coetzee were both shown red cards during the match, drastically changing the dynamics. Sundowns dominated possession early on, showing patience in their build-up play. As Sekhukhune went on the defensive, the Brazilians cleverly exploited wide areas of the pitch to create chances.
In the 10th minute, Edwin Gyimah handled the ball inside the box, giving the reigning champions a golden opportunity. Sundowns took the lead after Peter Shalulile confidently stepped up to take the penalty, sending custodian Bangare Sangare the wrong way.
In the 16th minute, Vusimusi Mncube was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Aubrey Modiba on the outskirts of the Downs’ area. Sundowns maintained possession despite the setback, and Sekhukhune struggled to mount a significant offensive threat.
Sundowns increased their pressure on the home team as the first half came to a close, only to be met with tenacious defence.
Sundowns began the second half by immediately pressing their opponents and dictating play within Sekhukhune’s territory. Babina Noko, on the other hand, launched counterattacks sporadically but failed to capitalise on their offensive forays.
Sundowns effectively doubled their lead in the 56th minute, thanks to Lucas Costa’s first goal for Chloorkop. Marcelo Allende delivered a perfectly weighted through ball to Thapelo Maseko, who squared it to Costa for a clinical finish during a quick transition from defence to attack.
On the hour mark, Jamie Webber converted an ingenious free kick from the edge of the Sundowns box. Empowered by this goal, Sekhukhune intensified their pursuit of an equalizer, showing urgency in their attacking endeavors.
Sundowns posed a constant threat on the counter, leveraging their speed and precise passing to unsettle Sekhukhune’s defence despite Babina Noko’s efforts to mount a comeback.
Babina Noko struggled to regain control in the final ten minutes as Sundowns used a game-management strategy to maintain their lead. In the 85th minute, Rivaldo Coetzee received a straight red card as a result of a retaliation incident involving Webber, which marked another significant development in the match.
Nonetheless, Sundowns showed tenacity and held on for their first victory in the 23/24 DStv Premiership season at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The final score is:
1 – Sekhukhune United (Webber 60′)
2 (Shalulile 12′, Costa 56′) Mamelodi Sundowns
Main Image: SNL24
The post Mamelodi Sundowns Secure Thrilling Opening Victory against Sekhukhune appeared first on Entertainment SA - South African Entertainment News, Celebrity and Lifestyle Online Magazine & Entertainment.
Post a Comment