Peter Shalulile continues to close in on Collins Mbesuma's record after scoring in Mamelodi Sundowns' 2-0 win over Sekhukhune United on Tuesday night.
DStv Premiership
Result: Sekhukhune United 0-2 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 02 May 2022
Venue: Emirates Airline Park
The Sundowns coaches rang the changes after the Nedbank Cup win over Royal AM, with goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse, Gaston Sirino, Themba Zwane, Sphelele Mkhulise and Lebohang Maboe getting recalls.
The Brazilians enjoyed most of the possession in the early stages despite the flurry of changes, but they should have been ahead on 13 minutes when Neo Maema was slipped down the left of the box before blazing over from close range.
While Sekhukhune struggled to make any forays into the opposition box, Sirino went close to pulling Sundowns on 20 minutes with a strike from the edge the box
It was no surprise to see Sekhukhune failing to carve out chances, having failed to score in their last three league encounters, two of which were on home soil.
Sundowns would get their reward in the 27th minute as Aubrey Modiba picked up a pass from Zwane before rifling the ball into the far corner from around 25-yards out for his second goal in as many games.
Sekhukhune did get some joy in the latter stages of the first half and managed to force Pieterse into action, with the Sundowns shot-stopper getting down to his left to keep out Kabwe's curling free-kick.
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Shalulile, who is chasing down Mbesuma's record of 25 league goals, could have added to his 21 after the break but failed to steer his header on target from Maema cross.
The hosts responded with a change for the final 30 minutes as Nkanyiso Madonsela made way for Kamohelo Dominic Sithole as they went in search of an equaliser.
The change did not affect Sekhukhune's outlook too much as the Brazilians continued to dominate, although they barely troubled goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata for most of the half.
While Sekhukhune threw on Prince Nxumalo for Chibuike Ohizu, Sundowns responded with a double change as Pule Maraisane got a rare appearance along with Divine Lunga.
Goal number 22 continued to evade Shalulile, who dragged a close-range effort wide of the mark with only Nsabata to beat with five minutes left on the clock.
However, the Namibian was not to be denied in second-half stoppage time as he wrapped up the win with neat turn and finish in the box with the final kick of the game.
Here's how they lined up:
Sekhukhune: 1. Nsabata, 35. Mahlangu, 15. Kabwe, 13. Motsepe, 39. Gyimah, 6. Maart, 26. Parusnath, 5. Madonsela, 28. Molaba, 7. Mncube, 34. Ohizu.
Subs: 30. Dlamini, 42. Mobbie, 19. Chabalala, 8. Ledwaba, 13. Katsande, 24. Sithole, 22. Nxumalo, 45. Shonga, 19. Kobela.
Sundowns: 30. Pieterse, 25. Mudau, 17. Modiba, 5. Lebusa, 4. Kekana, 21. Mkhulise, 35. Maema, 33. Maboe, 10. Sirino, 18. Zwane, 38. Shalulile.
Subs: 1. Mweene, 31. Maraisane, 7. Lakay, 13. Lunga, 27. Morena, 32. Kutumela, 28. Mokoena, 22. Kapinga, 19. Motupa
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