PRETORIA – Mamelodi Sundowns stormed back to the top of the Betway Premiership on Tuesday night, overcoming a spirited Marumo Gallants 3-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. A second-half brace from Teboho Mokoena proved pivotal as the Brazilians surged past Orlando Pirates in the race for the title.
A Frustrating Opening
The match kicked off with Sundowns controlling possession but struggling to break down a resilient Gallants defense. The breakthrough came in the 31st minute, albeit with a touch of fortune. Under pressure from Keanu Cupido during a cross, Gallants defender Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Sundowns a 1-0 lead.
However, the lead was short-lived. Just before the break, Sundowns were stunned in the 40th minute when Nuno Santos was penalized for a handball inside the area. Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo stepped up for Gallants and coolly dispatched the penalty past Ronwen Williams, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.
The Mokoena Show
With the title race heating up, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso called upon Teboho Mokoena from the bench, and the midfielder made an immediate impact. In the 62nd minute, Mokoena restored Sundowns’ lead with a clinical low finish into the bottom corner after being set up by Arthur Sales.
Not content with just a one-goal lead, Mokoena sealed the victory in the 90th minute, picking up a pass from Iqraam Rayners before rifling in a trademark long-range strike into the top corner, ensuring a 3-1 triumph and completing his brace.
Title Race Intensifies
The win sees Sundowns move to 50 points, putting them two points clear of Orlando Pirates at the top of the Betway Premiership table. Meanwhile, Gallants remain in a precarious position, sitting 14th in the standings, just above the relegation zone.
Match Summary:
- Score: Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 Marumo Gallants
- Goalscorers:
- Sundowns: Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya (OG 31′), Teboho Mokoena (62′, 90′)
- Gallants: Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo (Pen 40′)
- Possession: Sundowns 64% | Gallants 36%
- Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Up Next:
Sundowns now shift their focus to continental glory as they prepare for the second leg of their CAF Champions League clash against Stade Malien this Sunday.
