Mamelodi Sundowns ended their winless run in the DStv Premiership with a 1-0 victory over struggling Richards Bay FC on Tuesday afternoon.
DStv Premiership
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Richards Bay FC
Date: 25 April 2023
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Sundowns made wholesale changes from their CAF Champions League thumping win over Belouizdad, as only goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Thapelo Morena, Abdelmounaim Boutouil and Sipho Mbule remained, while the likes of Cassius Mailula and Abubaker were recalled to lead the line in the absence of Peter Shalulile.
The sides took their time on the ball in the early stages, with no clear-cut opportunities but after 20 minutes the Brazilians increased the intensity of their attacks.
Morena eventually broke the deadlock on 25 minutes with a cracking half-volley into the top corner after a ricochet in the box from a cross.
The Tshwane giants had a double injury blow just after the half-hour mark, as Mailula and Nasir broke down at almost the same time and were immediately replaced by Gaston Sirino and Thabiso Kutumela.
However, Rulani Mokwena's charges could not maintain their passing rhythm and dropped deep, as Richards Bay seized the momentum but Sphelele Mkhulise almost doubled Sundowns' lead on the stroke of half-time with a snap shot that flashed just wide of the far post.
The visitors had a strong start in the second stanza as Sanele Barns was unfortunate not to equalise five minutes from the break with a shot cleared off the line by half-time substitute Mosa Lebusa.
In a good attacking spell for Richards Bay, Somila Ntsundwana had a big chance five minutes later after going through on goal at the near post but his shot across goal was saved by Williams with his out-stretched leg.
The Brazilians continued to sit deep and Mpho Mathebula also came very close to making it 1-1 on 65 minutes with a well lifted side-footed strike from the edge of the box that crashed against the crossbar, with Williams beaten.
Sundowns were seemingly playing to defend the result in the closing stages, as they were not advancing out of their half for long periods and it was up to the Natal Rich Boyz to unlock them.
Katlego Maphathe came very close to salvaging a draw for Richards Bay in stoppage time with a close-range shot that was vitally parried away by Williams and Khuliso Mudau denied the visitors a tap-in at the back post with a clearance.
Sundowns are still on course to break their record tally of 71 points set in the 2015-16 season.
Mamelodi Sundowns: 32. Williams, 27. Morena, 41. Mashego, 3. De Reuck, 13. Boutouil, 8. Zungu, 24. Mbule, 21. Mkhulise, 39. Maboe, 28. Nasir, 33. Mailula
Subs: 1. Mweene, 34. Mvala, 5. Lebusa, 22. Mudau, 17. Modiba, 31. Nkosi, 18. Zwane, 10. Sirino, 12. Kutumela.
Richards Bay: 80. Magoola, 2. Maphathe, 35. Mabua, 5. Mthethwa, 25. Mcineka, 21. Mhlongo, 30. Barns, 12. Mathebula, 15. Hlongwa, 10. Memela, 45. Ntsundwana
Subs: 16. Jacobs, 20. Mthembu, 34. Nyauza, 38. Dlamini, 38. Makateng, 14. Majabidou, 9. Mbuthuma, 8. Mdabuka.
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