SOUTHJ AFRICA-A convincing 3-1 win by Mamelodi Sundowns over Santos at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday afternoon saw the Brazilians back to the summit of the Absa Premiership.
An own goal from Pere Ariweriyai and one each from Nyasha Mushekwi and Lebohang Mokoena saw ‘Downs pick up all three points while the People’s Team’s consolation goal was scored by Eleazar Rodgers.
‘Downs certainly controlled the early exchanges, but despite their dominance they struggled to create any decent chances on goal.
Instead, the Brazilians squandered their possession in the final third of the field with some sloppy passing and woeful long range shots on goal.
In fact, the game’s opening goal, which went the way of the home side, came from the head of a Santos man in the 20th minute as Pere Ariweriyai found the back of his own net in emphatic fashion.
Elias Pelembe whipped in a fast-paced cross from the right which Ariweriyai powerful headed into the back of his own net at the front post in an attempt to clear the ball, but only succeeded in handing ‘Downs the lead, 1-0.
Still, despite the game finding a goal, the match lacked excitement as Sundowns struggled to make their dominance count while Santos hardly touched the ball.
Nonetheless, finally, seven minutes from the break, the Brazilians were able to find their second goal.
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A perfect pin-point cross from Lebohang Mokoena on the right picked out an unmarked Nyasha Mushekwi who made no mistake with a clinical header from six-yards out, scoring his ninth league goal of the season and doubling ‘Downs lead going into halftime, 2-0.
The second half saw Santos trying to fight their way back into the game, but they simply could not get the better of a ‘Downs side that kept hold of the ball and controlled the flow of the game.
And the People’s Team certainly didn’t make their task any easier when some sloppy defending in the 63rd minute gifted Hlompho Kekana a shot on goal.
The Sundowns’ man latched onto a poor clearance on the edge of the 18-yard box and fired a low drive into the bottom right-hand corner, 3-0.
After their third goal the Brazilians took their foot off the pedal and allowed the visitors to come back into the game a little.
In the 76th minute Eleazar Rodgers did manage to find a consolation goal for Santos after some good control inside the box and a fine finish from ten-yards out pulled a goal back for People’s Team.
But it was too little too late for the Cape side as the loss sees them remain in 15th spot on the log while the three points for Sundowns takes them back to the summit of the Absa Premiership.
Mamelodi Sundowns (2) 3 (Ariweriyai 20’ og., Mushekwi 38’, Kekana 63’)
Santos (0) 1 (Rodgers 76’)
Teams:
Sundowns: Sandilands, Maponyane, Xulu, Daniels, Masenamela, Pelembe (Henyekane 80’), Nyanodoro, Kekana, Mokoena (Nyatama 69’), Zwane, Mushekwi (Julies 88’)
Santos: Touray, Ntloana, Ariweriyai (Chimodzi 73’), W. Arendse, Skippers (Basie 46’), Isaacs (Segalo 62’), Morris, T. Arendse, King, Wana, Rodgers
