Polokwane City hand Downs first league loss

Mamelodi Sundowns suffered their first league loss of the season as they went down 1-0 to rookies Polokwane City in an Absa Premiership match last Saturday. The goal that made the difference in the match was an own goal by Sundowns fullback Tebogo Langerman in the first half. Sundowns headed into this match brimming with confidence.

Pitso Mosimane’s men completely annihilated AmaZulu 7-1 in a league encounter midweek and were looking to continue their golden run of top form. The Brazilians were the early hustlers in this match and were creating most of the chances. In the 13th minute, their Zimbabwean international winger Khama Billiat had a sniff at a goal when he tried to catch City keeper Modiri Marumo off his goal with an audacious shot, but the ball went just marginally off target.

Sundowns had a free kick in the 21st minute out on the right wing and Dove Wome delivered an excellent ball into the box that was met by the head of Bongani Zungu, but the former University of Pretoria midfielder headed wide from close range. Six minutes later Zungu had another chance, but after all his hard work dribbling past the City defenders, his final shot was disappointing, as he shot straight at the keeper from close range.

With Sundowns having started the first half the strongest, City finished it with the upper hand and found the match’s opener in the 43rd minute. Galagbwe Moyana sent a good ball into the box, which Langerman unfortunately turned into his own net. Sundowns went looking for the equaliser in the second half and came close in the 60th minute when Wome’s right-footed, curling free kick from the left wing narrowly missed the target.

The Brazilians could not unlock the City defence, which employed the tactic of ‘parking the bus at the back’ as they emerged victorious and picked up their second win of the season at the expense of the expensively assembled Pretoria side.