Mamelodi Sundowns had a positive start to the year following their 2-0 victory over Orbit College in the Betway Premiership on Monday night at Loftus Versfeld.
Five minutes into the opening half, Masandawana rattled the opposition’s defence through Jayden Adams. From a first-time volley, after finding space, Adams fired a powerful shot but was denied when it shattered the frame of the goal.
As they continued dominating the position and creating chances, Lebo Mothiba also looked to add his name on the scoresheet when he fired a powerful shot on the right flank. His effort was, however, smacked away by the goalkeeper.
In the 22nd minute, Arthur Sales finally broke the deadlock for the Brazilians. His sharpness and high press on the goalkeeper was rewarded when he intercepted the ball and found the back of the net through his acrobatic effort.
In the 30th minute, the visitors pulled their first attempt at goal from a corner kick effort. An acrobatic effort almost saw them level matters, but the ball sailed over the bar.
Just before the break, the visitors pulled a shot from range after a successful counter, but this effort also went over the bar. Despite losing their rhythm in the final minutes of the first stanza, Masandawana headed to the break with a goal advantage.
The hosts continued with their dominance in the second half, creating convincing chances. Their Orbit counterparts, however, had tightened their defence a little bit.
In the 65th minute, Loftus Versfeld witnessed a dream start for Brayan Leon, who scored on debut. The ball came from Thato Sibiya’s left foot delivery – who was also making his first team debut, which was connected with Leon’s powerful header that found the back of the net.
Just after the 70th minute mark, Orbit College made two strong attempts in front of the goal, both sailing over the bar as they were left unmarked.
In the closing stages of the match, Bafana Ba Style were denied a goal. Miguel Reisinho had managed to shoot the ball past the goalkeeper, who was off the line, but there were white shirts on the goal line that managed to clear the ball away. Leon looked to get a brace on debut when he swung the ball towards goal, but the keeper denied him when he smacked the ball away.
How we lined up: Williams ©, Morena, Johannes, Kekana, Sibiya, Mkhulise, Adams, Letlhaku, Matthews, Sales, Mothiba.
Subs: Onyango, Khoza, Mdunyelwa, Basadien, Reisinho, Allende, Zwane, Santos, Leon. SOURCED FROM MS WEBSITE
