Mamelodi Sundowns climbed to the top of the Betway Premiership standings alongside fellow “Big Three” rivals Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs after securing a convincing 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The Brazilians dominated proceedings from start to finish, earning all three points through goals from Malibongwe Khoza and the in-form Cassius Mailula. The victory sees Sundowns move level with Pirates and Chiefs on seven points after three league matches.
For Gallants, the defeat extends a difficult start to the season. Bahlabane ba Ntwa remain without a win and have slipped to the foot of the table in 16th place.
Sundowns Take Control
Sundowns asserted themselves from the opening whistle, enjoying the lion’s share of possession and pinning Gallants deep inside their own half. Their dominance was rewarded in the 21st minute when a cleverly worked corner routine led to the opening goal.
Bathusi Aubaas headed the delivery back into the danger area, where Malibongwe Khoza reacted quickest to fire home despite Gallants’ desperate attempt to clear the ball off the line.
The only sour moment of the first half came when Bafana Bafana right-back Khuliso Mudau suffered a suspected Achilles injury. The defender was stretchered off in the 38th minute and replaced by Zuko Mdunyelwa.
Mailula Seals the Victory
Sundowns resumed after the break with the same intensity and nearly doubled their advantage within five minutes. Bennet Mokoena released Cassius Mailula with a perfectly weighted pass, but the striker’s heavy first touch allowed Sibusiso Ncube to recover and clear the danger.
Head coach Miguel Cardoso refreshed his side just after the hour mark, introducing Themba Zwane, Siyanda Ndlovu and Aubrey Modiba. Zwane almost made an immediate impact when Ndlovu’s incisive through ball put him clean through on goal, but the veteran midfielder failed to convert.
The hosts did not have to wait much longer for their second goal. In the 68th minute, Brayan León picked out Mailula, who continued his impressive scoring form by drilling a left-footed finish into the net from just inside the penalty area.
Looking Ahead
The victory maintains Sundowns’ unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership season and keeps them firmly in the early title race alongside Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
Marumo Gallants, meanwhile, will be eager to register their first league win when they host TS Galaxy on Tuesday, 25 August. Sundowns return to Loftus Versfeld the following day, where they will welcome AmaZulu FC in another crucial league encounter.
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