Absa Premiership
Score: Free State Stars 0-2 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 07 March 2015
Venue: Charles Mopeli Stadium
Goals from Cuthbert Malajila and Khama Billiat earned 10-man Mamelodi Sundowns a 2-0 win over Free State Stars on Saturday evening.
It was an evenly contested affair, although Stars had the first effort at goal, as Danny Venter forced Denis Onyango into a low save.
Onyango came to Sundowns rescue in the 23rd minute, the shot-stopper pulled off a fine low save to deny Adam Abdul-Basit, before keeping out Venter's long range effort.
Stars goalkeeper, Johnny Mathole, had to be at his best in the 30th minute, the shot-stopper did brilliantly to keep out Alje Schut's powerful header.
Pitso Mosimane's men started to dictate play, as the likes of Bongani Zungu and Khama Billiat looked lively in the middle of the park.
However, Sundowns broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime courtesy of a looping header from Cuthbert Malajila, his ninth goal of the season.
It proved to be a busy evening for Mathole, as he pulled off another fine save to deny Billiat from point blank range in the 50th minute.
However, Sundowns were forced to play the remaining 30 minutes with 10 men, after Mzikayise Mashaba was shown his second yellow card for a late challenge on Mathole.
Despite going a man down, Sundowns nearly increased their advantage in the 68th minute, as Tebogo Langerman rattled the crossbar from 25-yards out.
Sundowns did eventually seal the three points in the 73rd minute, as Billiat turned well before firing a low effort into the corner.
Here's how they lined up:
Free State Stars: Mathole, Cardoso, Sankara, Rakoti, Masehe, Mashego, Kerspuy, Venter, Masana, Abdul-Basit, Sekola
Mamelodi Sundowns: Onyango, Zwane, Mashaba, Schut, Mphahlele, Zungu, Kekana, Malajila, Langerman, Billiat, Laffor
