Unbeaten Downs extend lead at the top
Sundowns now lead the log by six points and have two games in hand.
Mamelodi Sundowns continued their unbeaten run in the DStv Premiership as they defeated TTM 3-1 away from home on Tuesday night.
This was only the second-ever league meeting between the two sides and in the first round of matches, Vhadau Vhadamani managed to grab a point at Loftus Versfeld against Downs.
The Brazilians were on a mission to ensure this time it was not to be the case.
Downs started the game with a high press and the early pressure almost paid off in the 5th minute as Themba Zwane pounced on a loose ball before setting Lebo Maboe up for a shot at goal but his attempt was deflected.
TTM’s Washington Arubi was the busier keeper of the two as he had to make two quick saves in a space of two minutes, one from a free-kick by Lyle Lakay and also from Gaston Sirino.
The home side was the first to draw blood as they scored against the run of play through a set-piece taken by Thabo Mnyamane and finished off by Thembisani Nevhulamba.
Masandawana kept hold of possession whilst looking for the equaliser. Zwane thought he had the better of Arubi but his shot just missed the crossbar.
Mosa Lebusa played a pass that eliminated the visitor’s defence, Morena complimented the pass with a great touch but his finishing let him down as his effort was saved for a corner.
Mnyamane drew a great point-blank save from Denis Onyango.
On the stroke of half-time, Downs were again denied as Rushine de Reuck saw his effort saved on the line by the keeper.
The never-say-die attitude from Bafana Ba Style showed once again as they grabbed the equaliser with the last touch of the half after a great header by Rivaldo Coetzee, who scored his first goal for the club.
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Sirino had an opportunity to grab the lead after a great defence-splitting pass by Maboe but the Uruguayan looped the ball over an oncoming keeper and Nonyane had to clear off the line.
Sirino failed to capitalise from a spot-kick for Downs after Mshishi was fouled in the box.
A few minutes later Sphelele Mkhulise was on hand to give Masandawana the lead as he connected a well-placed cross from Lyle Lakay to make it 2-1.
Sibusiso Vilakazi made his way to the field from the bench after an injury layoff and after only 10 minutes on the pitch he scored the third goal of the day to seal off a great game and give Masandawana all three points.
Sundowns now lead the log by six points and have two games in hand.
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