Mamelodi Sundowns lead Marumo Gallants at half-time after Khoza strike

Mamelodi Sundowns take a 1-0 lead into half-time against Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership after Malibongwe Khoza scored his first goal of the campaign on Wednesday evening.

Masandawana began the match seeking their second victory of the season, having drawn 1-1 with Kaizer Chiefs in their previous league outing. Marumo Gallants, meanwhile, are still looking for their first win after suffering a 3-1 defeat by Stellenbosch FC in Cape Town five days ago.

Sundowns made the stronger start and turned their early pressure into a goal in the 21st minute. Bathusi Aubaas won the ball in the attacking area and sent a knockdown into the path of Khoza, who had found space inside the box before sending a volley beyond debutant goalkeeper Emile Lako.

The goal reflected Sundowns’ dominance during the opening quarter of the match, with the Tshwane side continuing to threaten as they looked for a second.

Bennet Mokoena came close when he attempted a quick shot from the near side, but Lako reacted well to keep the effort out. The save prevented Sundowns from extending their advantage and gave Gallants a chance to remain within reach before the interval.

Gallants created their first significant opening soon afterwards. Msindisi Kunene met a cross-field delivery from the right side of midfield with a header at the near post, but Ronwen Williams was alert and produced the save required to preserve Sundowns’ lead.

There was concern for Sundowns 10 minutes before half-time when Khuliso Mudau was forced off with an injury. He was replaced by Zuko Mdunyelwa, with the change potentially troubling for the league leaders ahead of their MTN8 semi-final against Golden Arrows on Sunday.

Sundowns finished the first half in control, although Gallants remained close enough for one opportunity to change the contest after the break.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ starting XI was Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Malibongwe Khoza, Kekana, Basadien, Bennet Mokoena, Allende, Bathusi Aubaas, Matthews, Mailula and Leon.

Their substitutes were Goss, Mvala, Modiba, Ndlovu, Rayners, Mkhulise, Zwane, Zuko Mdunyelwa and Letlhaku.

Marumo Gallants started with Emile Lako, Rikhotso, Madiba, Sikhakane, Ncube, Luthuli, Ndlondlo, Manaka, Mabuza, Msindisi Kunene and Otladisa.

Gallants’ substitutes were Mblambo, Mphambaniso, Sikhosana, Lukhele, Dhludhlu, Button, Moletshe, Marebane and Mkhwanazi.