MagRush | October 3, 2019
The PSL juggernaut Mamelodi Sundowns continued their unbeaten defense of the Absa Premiership title last night in Thohoyandou Stadium.
The two first-half triumphant Sundowns goals were enough to calm Black Leopards to a docile lull. Middlefield sensation Themba Zwane netted the opening goal in the 25th minute; and a mix-up between Leopards defender Chris Katjiukua and his goalkeeper [Jonas Mendes] resulted in an own goal (OG) by the former just before half-time: 44min.
At the break, Masandawana were two goals to the good.
The relentless Lidoda Duvha returned roaring in the second half in an attempt to claw back playing home. For all their scrapping and snarling, Mwape Musonda rippled the back of the net only once for a consolation (59th minutes) goal.
Leopards’ new coach Luc Eymael pranced about in frustration as his charges were squandering opportunities. Meanwhile, his peer Pitso Mosimane, the Sundowns coach, made substitutions for consolidating the lead. And that tactical switch worked on the night.
Towards the closing stages of the match, the tension in Thohoyandou Stadium stands haunted the still night with piercing silence.
The game ended 2-1 in favour of the Pretorians. Sundowns moved up to 3rd position on the new Absa Premiership 2019/2020 edition log with 14 points after six matches.
Other Wednesday Night Absa Premiership Results:
Polokwane City 0-2 Stellenbosch FC
Stellies recorded their first win in top flight football last night away to Polokwane City at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. What a result for the dogged Steve Barker, Stellenbosch coach!
Two back-to-back Stellenbosch goals in the first half by Waseem Isaacs [15′] and Iqraam Rayners [20′] took the wind out of Polokwane City’s sails. And the hosts never recovered.
The Rise and Shine suffered their 3rd defeat in the 2019/2020 Absa Premiership season after eight matches. Their four victories and one draw have them sat on the 4th position on the league table.
Chuffed with their exploits in Limpopo, Stellenbosch FC’s victory means they have seven points after eight games and are 14th on the log. The winless jinx has finally been broken.
Maritzburg United 1-0 Baroka FC
The Team of Choice secured a second Absa Premiership win against Baroka at Harry Gwala Stadium last night.
A second-half goal from Mxolisi Kunene (51′) shuttered the deadlock and gave Maritzburg a sigh of relief.
After coming close against Kaizer Chiefs over the weekend at FNB Stadium, Baroka FC have dropped yet another set of three points on the road. They sit on the 12th spot on the league with eight points after eight games.
Having gone five difficult games without a victory, Maritzburg coach Eric Tinkler must be pleased with eight points after seven games which place them 11th on the log standings.