It was a good evening at the office for Mamelodi Sundowns as they picked up the maximum points in their first league encounter. It was the 2-0 win over SuperSport United at Loftus Versfeld that saw them grab bragging rights in the Tshwane Derby on Tuesday night.
The hosts kicked off their inaugural Betway Premiership campaign with a squad almost similar to the one at the weekend and were superb from the time the referee blew the kick-off whistle.
As is usual in derby matches, the support from the Yellow Nation was positive from the off and that was encouraging to the Brazilians, as it was evident through dominating the ball and the big chances they created. Ricardo Goss of SuperSport was forced into action several times, the first threat being posed by Iqraam Rayners. Rayners made a good run to Lucas Ribeiro who had a chance to shoot but his angle was too tight to get it right.
The away side had only a couple of half-chances that fell their way but were equally not fruitful as Ronwen Williams made clean saves. Both defence squads stood firm in the final minutes of the first stanza to keep the score at 0-0 at the break.
The match resumed with both teams continuing with the fight. Shortly after the hour mark, Coach Manqoba introduced captain Themba Zwane, Aubrey Modiba and Tashreeq Matthews. The introduction of Zwane was a game changer as he made an assist two minutes into his play. He made a beautiful backfoot pass to Rayners who made a shot into the net.
Ribeiro extended the lead three minutes later, after knocking on the door from the beginning of the match.
Matsatsantsa almost found the back of the net on the 77th minute but Williams made a good save as he smacked the ball out to keep a clean sheet for their first match.
Both sides looked for goals at the final stages of the match but the score remained 2-0 until the full-time whistle.
How we lined up: Williams, Kekana, Coetzee, Lebusa, Morena, Maboe, Allende, Tiwani, Ribeiro, Shalulile, Rayners.
Subs: Onyango, Lorch, Modiba, Aubaas, Matthews, Zwane, Mkhulise, Mabena, Khoza.
