Mamelodi Sundowns clinch last minute win against the Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs
Mamelodi Sundowns walked away with three vital points making it six points in two games played in this 2023/2024 campaign
In an intense clash at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, Mamelodi Sundowns battled it out against Kaizer Chiefs to grab a last-minute 2-1 victory.
The Brazilians walked away with three vital points making it six points in two games played in this 2023/2024 campaign.
The home side, well-known for their passing play and possession-based football, dominated the early proceedings as Amakhosi sat back and defended in numbers.
The visitors were able to frustrate the Brazilians for much of the first half.
The two players engaged in a fascinating battle of wits, with each trying to outdo the other in terms of skill and flair.
Their skirmishes filled the stadium with electricity, as the fans roared on their favourites with every duel and trickery.
Thapelo Maseko’s fresh energy and trickery brought excitement to an otherwise cagey first half.
Maseko’s trademark cut back from the byline found Peter Shalulile unmarked, however, the Namibian’s attempt on goal was cleared away by a Chiefs defender.
The intensity of Mamelodi Sundowns’ pressing was clear for all to see, and it paid off after around 20 minutes when Themba Zwane forced a mistake from Edson Castillo, who gave away possession in the box.
The loose pass fell to Shalulile in the box and the Namibian unselfishly teed up Lucas Ribeiro who scored his second goal in two matches.
Shalulile was later twice denied by Brandon Petersen who stood tall to foil the Namibian’s attempts.
Maseko saw two chances go begging as his rebounded effort from a Petersen save went wide before he also had a right-footed shot saved by the Amakhosi shot-stopper.
The difficulty in front of the goal would continue for the remainder of the second half for the team in yellow, who struggled to put their chances away.
Coach Rulani and his technical team looked to freshen up the side with the introduction of Neo Maema, Sipho Mbule and Brian Onyango midway through the second half.
With six minutes to go the visiting side pulled one goal back on a breakaway attack, with Ashley du Preez netting past Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who had a fairly quiet afternoon between the sticks.
The goal was a welcome relief for the Amakhosi faithful, who had seen their team struggle to create clear chances up to that point.
As the final whistle drew closer, the tension in the Lucas Moripe Stadium was palpable.
With seconds remaining, Mamelodi Sundowns launched one last attack on goal, and it proved decisive.
Maema struck the net with a thunderous volley, sending the stadium into a frenzy and securing the win for the Brazilians.
Bongani Zungu and Aubrey Modiba were brought on in injury time to help Sundowns see out the result and earn their second win of the season.
The Brazilians will now switch gears to prepare for the upcoming Wafa Wafa clash in the MTN8 against Steve Komphela’s Moroka Swallows this weekend.
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