Sundowns surge to second after five-goal win over AmaZulu

Mamelodi Sundowns moved up to second in the Betway Premiership after a 5-2 victory over AmaZulu, extending their unbeaten start to the league season and their extraordinary home run to 32 matches.

The result leaves Sundowns level on 10 points with leaders Orlando Pirates after four matches, with their superior goal difference lifting them into second place.

Sundowns established control before half-time through two superb finishes. Brayan Leon broke the deadlock midway through the opening period, meeting the ball on the volley and sending it into the top corner after Cassius Mailula’s effort had deflected into his path.

Teboho Mokoena then marked his return from injury with an impressive free-kick. From outside the penalty area, he curled the ball beyond the goalkeeper and into the top corner to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane reacted by making changes before and during the interval, and those alterations produced an immediate response after the restart.

Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya pulled a goal back soon after the break when he arrived to meet Riaan Hanamub’s cross. The forward has now scored in each of AmaZulu’s five matches this season in all competitions, and he would add another goal later in the match to take his total to seven.

Sundowns restored their two-goal advantage soon afterwards. AmaZulu goalkeeper Faveur Kouassi could only push an effort into the path of Tashreeq Matthews, who kept his composure to roll the ball into an unguarded net.

The home side continued to find space in the AmaZulu defence. Matthews hit the post, with the rebound eventually falling for Leon, who completed his second goal of the game to put Sundowns 4-1 in front.

AmaZulu continued to threaten despite being outplayed for long periods. Ngwenya scored again in the 70th minute after Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams had come too far out of his area, reducing the deficit to two goals.

Sundowns did not allow the visitors to mount a comeback, however, and Bennet Mokoena added a fifth goal in the closing stages to complete a convincing win.

Manager Miguel Cardoso will take satisfaction from Sundowns’ attacking performance and Teboho Mokoena’s successful return from injury. Their defensive display, though, will remain a concern after AmaZulu scored twice and created openings following the interval.

Sundowns must improve their defensive solidity when they face Golden Arrows in the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final on Sunday. They go into that match needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg.