Mamelodi Sundowns clinched a 3-0 win against TS Galaxy and surged closer to their seventh DStv Premiership title at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Monday night.
Sundowns were in action just after their 2-0 aggregate loss to Esperance two days ago and they knew their mission was to clinch another win.
Masandawana faced Galaxy for the first time in the league this season bar the Carling Knockout Cup match which they lost on penalties towards the end of 2023.
RELATED: Sundowns vs Galaxy Match Preview: Wounded Downs Out to Down the Rockets
As they headed to the clash without a defeat, many fans were looking for rivalry between the two sides as coaches Rulani Mokwena and Sead Ramovic hogged the headlines for their beef. The Brazilians were in high spirits after their win over Sekhukhune United at the same venue last week while coach Ramovic’s men beat Moroka Swallows 2-1 on Friday night at home.
SUNDOWNS VS GALAXY: MOKWENA MAKES CHANGES
The Sundowns boss, Mokwena was forced to make changes as he brought skipper Themba Zwane to lead his charges and also included Zuko Mdunyelwa for Rivaldo Coetzee. The likes of Marcelo Allende, Mothobi Mvala, Khuliso Mudau and Lucas Ribeiro were rested.
It was a lukewarm start by both sides but it was the hosts who enjoyed possession as they also probed for an early goal.
RELATED: Who Will Clinch The Footballer Of The Year Gong?
Sundowns netted the first goal of the match when Peter Shalulile pounced in the 26th minute. He was unmarked inside the box. He initiated the move and passed the ball to Zwane who later crossed to him – the Namibian finished with ease to beat keeper Fiacre Ntwari.
Despite good man-marking by the Rockets, Shalulile managed to hit the back of the net for the second time after 11 minutes.
The Sniper, Shalulile received a beautiful backheel pass from Zwane who was a recipient of a backheel pass from Matias Esquivel – allowing the Namibian to comfortably pass the ball into the net making it 2-0.
Contrary to their normal game, the Rockets did not have the usual energy and sense of urgency they usually display in their game. The reigning league champions went to the tunnel in the driving seat leading by 2-0.
Four minutes from the interval, Galaxy threatened as they wanted an early goal but Sundowns thanked keeper Ronwen Williams for intercepting the pass into the penalty area. Sundowns boss Mokwena made changes by bringing in Thembinkosi Lorch and Neo Maema for Tashreeq Matthews and Esquivel.
The changes paid dividends as Shalulile gave Zwane the ball who laid a beautiful pass for Lorch to finish following a cross from Maema. 3-0 for the hosts after 64 minutes. With six minutes to go, Orebotse Mongae was shown a red card when he fouled Bongani Zungu who just came off from the bench.
Ironically, it was Zungu who injured Bernard Parker when the two sides met in a Carling Knockout Cup tie and Parker was about to come on for the visitors. In the death, the hosts committed a foul through substitute Thapelo Morena and the referee pointed to the spot.
Parker raised his hand to take it but he was denied by Bafana Bafana skipper, Ronwen Williams as they bagged their 18th win of the season out of 23 matches.
The victory sees Sundowns cementing their spot on the top of the table with 59 points while the Rockets have 37 at number five.
SUNDOWNS: WHAT’S NEXT FOR KABOYELLOW
The Brazilians will now look at collecting the full three points when they travel across the Jukskei River to meet Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Rockets are away to Sekhukhune United on Friday night.
RELATED: Rulani Having Sleepless Nights On Losing His Sundowns Job