Masandawana secure away win against Orbit College FC

The Betway Premiership title challenge is intensifying for Mamelodi Sundowns, who returned to the top of the table after securing three points on the road with a 2–0 victory over Orbit College FC on Tuesday evening in Rustenburg.

The club began the match on the front foot and nearly opened the scoring early on.

Nuno Santos attempted an effort from outside the box, sending the ball into the area where Arthur Sales rose to meet it with a header. However, his attempt sailed over the crossbar.

Orbit College responded shortly afterwards with a promising move in Sundowns’ half.

After bypassing the defence, they threatened Masandawana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with a shot on goal, but he comfortably gathered the ball to deny the hosts.

The home side continued to pose a threat on the counterattack and came close to breaking the deadlock after winning a second ball and driving into the penalty area.

However, the Brazilians’ defence reacted quickly to clear the danger.

Sales had another opportunity for the visitors when he tried his luck from a distance, but the effort once again went over the bar.

Despite several promising moves from each team, neither side managed to find the back of the net before the half-time break.

The visitors eventually broke the deadlock just three minutes into the second half.

Capitalising on a lapse in concentration from the hosts, Santos delivered the ball from a tight angle with a header to Miguel Reisinho, who struck a low, powerful shot that slipped under the goalkeeper to give Masandawana the lead.

The visitors extended their advantage in the 58th minute when Khuliso Mudau was fouled inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to award a spot-kick.

Iqraam Rayners stepped up and calmly converted the penalty with a low strike that beat the goalkeeper to make it 2–0.

Sundowns continued to apply pressure in the second half, spending much of the time in the hosts’ half and creating several chances.

Rayners nearly grabbed a second goal shortly after the 70th minute but was dispossessed by the defence before he could complete his effort.

In the closing stages of the match, Monnapule Saleng came close to adding a third for the visitors when his attempt at the near post struck the side netting.

Substitute Themba Zwane also nearly got on the scoresheet after making a run into the box from the left.

Although he initially managed to get past the goalkeeper, the keeper recovered quickly to snatch the ball from his feet.

Despite creating several late chances, Sundowns had to settle for the two-goal margin, which proved enough to secure an important away victory.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ line-up: Williams, Mudau, Johannes, Cupido, Basadien, Santos, Allende, Saleng, Reisinho, Rayners, Sales.
Substitutes: Onyango, Kekana, Modiba, Morena, Mokoena, Zwane, Matthews, Mothiba, Leon.

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