In an electrifying Carling Black Label Cup weekend clash, Mamelodi Sundowns asserted their dominance over Kaizer Chiefs with a resounding 4-0 victory. The Saturday afternoon showdown promised to be a mouthwatering match, with the FNB Stadium filled to the brim. With a much-needed win, ‘Bafana ba style’ booked their ticket to the semi-final.
They entered the game with a point to prove, and put up a performance that left Chiefs reflecting on what went wrong with their gameplay.
First-Half Surge
Masundawana head coach, Manqoba Mnqithi, made his intentions known from the start, fielding his best attacking lineup with one goal in mind, to win. Their forward line pressed relentlessly, overwhelming the Amakhosi defense and keeping them on the back foot. The opening goal came in the 14th minute, as Iqraam Rayners fired home from the penalty spot to give his team an early lead, setting the tone for what would be an unforgiving offensive display.
As expected, tensions erupted like a volcano in the stadium. Although the referee Luxolo Badi tried his best to officiate the game, things took a turn when angry Amakhosi fans started throwing objects on the field. Not long after Sundowns took the lead, a fan ran on the pitch and tried to attack the referee! A break was called and a delay ensued, as coaches and players begged supporters to behave.
By halftime, Sundowns had not only maintained control but managed to add another two goals. Chiefs struggled to contain the wave of attacks led by Downs skipper, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, with the defense seemingly powerless. The 3-0 scoreline at the break was a clear indication of the gulf in quality between the two teams and left Chiefs fans concerned about the lack of response from their team.
Second-Half Dominance
The second half saw Chiefs attempt to regroup, but Sundowns remained unstoppable.
Unfortunately, an incident in the 54th minute saw Amakhosi go down 10 men, with defender Inacio Santos given his marching orders following a second yellow. Their troubles only multiplied and set Sundowns up to put the tie to bed.
In the 70th minute, Sundowns scored the inevitable fourth goal, ripping apart the hearts of the Amakhosi fans. Khuliso Mudau cashed in from close range after a swift passage of play, putting the final nail in the coffin.
Chiefs head coach, Nareddine Nabi, made several attempts at changes, bringing on substitutes in hopes of adding some offensive strength. Unfortunately, Sundowns’ defense held firm and countered at every attempt. Chiefs’ attacking options, stifled and outclassed by a coordinated Sundowns backline, found it impossible to break through.
Here’s what fans on X had to say about the game…
@UnfazedWarReady posted, “At least Kaizer Chiefs is giving patients hope in all hospital ICUs around the country”
@SAFootClassics posted, “What a talent Signed from a team in Europe, in the second division in Belgium. Lucas Costa Ribeiro. Brilliant scouting from Mamelodi Sundowns”
Main Image: IOL
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