Mamelodi Sundowns remain the only unbeaten side left in the Absa Premiership after defeating Black Leopards 2-1 at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Wednesday.
The Brazilians made three changes from their last league outing against Maritzburg United, with Anele Ngcongca, Lyle Lakay and Andile Jali coming to the fold. Meanwhile, new Leopards coach Luc Eymael made only one change from their win over Bloemfontein Celtic, with defensive Donashano Malama replacing Lifa Hlongwane.
Sundowns dominated for the onset, with Jose Ali Meza and Gaston Sirino seeing a lot of the ball, but they had to wait until the 25th minute to break the deadlock, as Themza Zwane opened the scoring with a first-time shot following some good work by Meza.
Lidoda Duvha were absorbing the pressure for most of the time before they went behind though, although they failed to offer anything going forward as Mwape Musonda struggled against the Sundowns central defenders.
While Sundowns continued to probe for a second goal, Leopards lacked concentration in a critical phase as defender Chris Katjiukua netted an own goal on the stroke of half-time after guiding a Sirino’s cross into his own net.
Sundowns started the second stanza brightly but they missed early chances, which Leopards the incentive to get themselves back into the contest.
That’s exactly what they did as Leopards eventually pulled a goal back on the hour-mark thanks to Mwape Musonda, who finished with a super first time strike inside the box after he was picked out by Tshwarelo Bereng.
The game was heating up after that, going from end to end, with Musonda getting close to equalising for Eymael’s troops with another first-time effort that sailed an inch wide, while Lebohang Maboe squandered a glorious chance after being left one-on-one with Mendes.
Thuso Phala should have restored parity late on but the former Sundowns winger failed to steer his lob on target with the net gaping as Sundowns held on for the victory.
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Source – SoccerLaduma
