Mamelodi Sundowns have won two games in a row, following the appointment of Rulani Mokwena as sole head coach of the club. The Tshwane giants thumped Royal AM 3-0 in the DStv Premiership at Chatsworth Stadium.
Downs have made KwaZulu-Natal a happy hunting ground, scoring eight goals in total out of the two games they played.
Mokwena made only one change from the starting line-up of their clash with Maritzburg United, with Mothobi Mvala replacing the injured Rushine De Reuck.
In the early stages of the game, Royal AM were denying the Brazilians the space to play, and were attacking, utilising their wingers in Shauwn Mogaila and Elias Pelembe.
In the 15th minute, the Tshwane giants were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box, but Teboho Mokwena’s powerful attempt was cleared away by the wall. The KwaZulu-Natal outfit kept on exerting pressure on Sundowns’ defence, but could not make any headway.
In the 24th minute, Royal AM were given a free kick on the D-line, but Ruzaigh Gamildean’s shot was blocked by Mvala. With the match reaching the hour mark, the DStv Premiership champions still couldn’t find their rhythm.
Five minutes later, Lesvin Stoffels was gifted a ball in the box by the Downs’ defence, but the Royal AM man wasted a chance to open the scoring when his shot went wide.
On the stroke of half-time, Downs caught Royal AM napping, when Cassius Mailula found Neo Mama unmarked in the box, and the left-footer easily rattled the back of the net.
In the second half, Masandawana took off Mosa Lebusa who was struggling in the left-back position, and introduced Khuliso Mudau. Thapelo Morena switched from the right-back to the left, while Mudau handled the right-back.
Masandawana looked more confident and began to settle, with their midfield possessing the ball more than in the first-stanza. Later the home side introduced the left-winger Mfundo Thikazi, who made some impact in their offensive game.
In the 85th minute, Mokwena got inside the box and delivered a low cross, which was parried by the goalkeeper, before Mailula picked up the pieces to get the second goal for the visitors.
Two minutes later, Gaston Sirino played a cut-back in the box, which met Surprise Ralani who made it three for Sundowns before the referee blew the final whistle.
The defending champions are now six points points clear at the top of the table.
