Sundowns Ladies remain in the lead
The newly promoted side almost grabbed the lead as early as the 7th minute, but their attempt was denied by the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Sedilame Boseja.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies defeated the University of Pretoria 1-0 on Saturday at the Groenkloof stadium thanks to the game-winning goal from Boitumelo Rabale, who has had an outstanding start to the season.
The decisive blow was delivered by the current Player of the Season halfway through the second half, giving Banyana Ba Style all three points and preserving their perfect record so far this year.
The game began at a frantic pace, with both teams looking to stamp their authority early on.
The newly promoted side almost grabbed the lead as early as the 7th minute, but their attempt was denied by the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Sedilame Boseja.
The tightly contested fixture ebbed and flowed, and neither side could find a breakthrough at half-time.
After the restart, Karabo Dhlamini subbed for Chuene Morifi to bring more wing presence to the team.
Boseja was called into action again as the visitors pressed for the opening goal.
However, Sundowns Ladies eventually broke the deadlock thanks to a well-taken penalty from Rabale, who calmly slotted home her third goal of the season.
Lebohang Ramalepe (new signing) and Chantelle Esau were introduced late on for Nonhlanhla Mthandi and Lehlogonolo Mashigo as the defending champions held on to seal their fifth win in six games.
Rabale who scored the match-winning goal was full of praise for her side. “Once again, we faced a determined and tactically sound opponent who was looking to stop our winning streak.
“Despite the challenge, we remained focused and managed to score an important goal at a critical moment.
“Although we created several chances, we weren’t able to convert them into more goals.
“Nevertheless, we’re pleased to have earned another three points and maintained our momentum in the league,” she proudly said.
After the game, Bambanani Mbane expressed her delight at helping her team secure a clean sheet.
“We are thrilled to have earned all three points, especially because our opponents put up a strong fight.
“I’m particularly pleased with our defence as we maintained our composure and prevented our opponents from scoring,” Mbane said.
“It was a great team effort, and we’re proud of our performance. As we move forward, we’re taking the season one game at a time and focusing on the next challenge.”
Chantelle Esau, who came off the bench to make her first appearance of the season, spoke about what it meant for her to be back on the pitch.
“After missing the last few weeks due to injury, I’m delighted to be back with the team.
“Although the first half was cagey, we regrouped during the break and came out stronger in the second half,” Esau said.
“I am proud of our team’s resilience and I’m pleased that we were able to secure the win,” she said.
The win ensured that Sundowns Ladies retained their leadership of the table with 16 points from six games with five wins and one draw recorded.
Downs Ladies will take on TUT Ladies FC in the Tshwane derby.
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