MagRush | September 22, 2019
Match Report – Full-Time:
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 Maritzburg United
After an embarrassing MTN Top 8 Cup exit. Wednesday night, Mamelodi Sundowns are back to winning ways. They restored their shine at Lucas Moripe stadium with a late winner from substitute Lyle Lakay during the Absa Premiership evening encounter in Pretoria.
Warding off the lively Sundowns onslaught every now and then, Maritzburg chased shadows in the first half. It was the customary Sundowns possession display domination in full throttle that gave the “Masandawana” [Sundowns fans] a warm cheer and kept hope alive for the home side.
On the 39th minute, Gastón Sirino feigned a left-footed shot, eliminating Maritzburg defender and leaving him for dead and sat himself up for a right-footed curler that gave The Brazilians a head start [1-0].
The Team of Choice (Maritzburg) restored equity with Siya Xulu heading home in the 56th minute an inviting well-bent corner kick from Dean Morgan to make it 1-1.
The legion of fans in Atteridgeville were silenced for a few minutes; then redeemed themselves to urge the defending Absa Premiership champions forward.
Lakay injury-time strike [90+2′] sent Masandawana into an explosive rapture; saving Sundowns blushes as they temporarily hopped to 2nd position on the log ahead of Kaizer Chiefs who will visit Amazulu on Tuesday night, September 24, 2019.
Sundowns were behind log leaders, Polokwane City after the game until Bidvest Wits dramatically brought Orlando Pirates down to earth with a sensational 4-3 scoreline at Moses Mabhida stadium last night – the final fixture scheduled for Saturday.
Sundowns are 3rd on the league table with 11 points behind Wits on 12 points, pushing Kaizer Chiefs further down to 4th (on 10 points). To this end, all three (Sundowns, Wits and Chiefs) PSL giants played five games; Polokwane City six games.
“I can’t believe Phakamani Mahlambi missed that chance [a few inches from the goal line],” Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane said at the end of the game. “I could have put it away,” he protested.
Maritzburg United coach Eric Tinkler rued a potential point lost in the last minutes of the Saturday evening clash. Hapless and obviously disappointed, Tinkler underscored that they let themselves down after talking to the players during halftime about avoiding mistakes and showing character.
The 2-1 win kept Sundowns as the only club yet to lose a league match this (2019/2020) season in the PSL.
Unequivocally assured of the three points, Mosimane expressed his gratitude for the many opportunities The Brazilians created.