Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns have moved to the top of the Betway Premiership log, after they trashed Marumo Gallant 4-1 at the Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria.
The Brazilians dominated the match and created most of the chances, and were the first to register the score sheet, through man of the match Tashreeq Matthews, in the early stages of the match.
Matthews produced a stellar performance on the night, as he provided two assists too for Masandawana.
Iqraam Rayners doubled Sundowns lead on the half-hour mark, through Matthews’s cross.
The defending champions started the second half where they left-off, when Lucas Ribeiro made it 3-0, again benefiting from Matthew’s contribution.
Sphelele Mkhulise made it 4-0 from a rebound after
Gallants’ substitute goalkeeper Nicholas Mlambo had a miserable night, after he made an error that allowed Sphelele Mkhulise to pounce and score Sundowns fourth goal.
Gallants Gabadinho Mhango scored the team’s consolation goal two minutes from time.
The Brazilians will next face Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB stadium on Saturday.
Orlando Pirates were temporarily at the top of the league, before they were dethroned by Sundowns.
This after they beat Polokwane City 3-0 at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, despite the City’s stubborn defence, which limited the Buccaneers to long range shots to see the match which saw the score 0-0 at halftime.
City’s stubbornness could however not withstand the pressure, as Monnapule Saleng scored from a tight angle to hand Pirates a 1-0.
Substitute Evidence Makgopa sealed victory in the 86th minute, to give the Buccaneers a temporary stay at the top of the log.
Meanwhile, in a KwaZulu-Natal derby, Royal AM and Richards Bay played to a goalless draw at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.
