Mamelodi Sundowns return to Betway Premiership summit with big Durban City win

Mamelodi Sundowns moved back to the top of the Betway Premiership after beating Durban City 4-1 on Saturday night.

Thabang Matuludi scored twice before Iqraam Rayners and Antonio van Wyk completed a convincing victory for the Brazilians. Jean Lubumba scored a consolation for Durban City.

Sundowns began the match in second place after defending champions Orlando Pirates had beaten Kaizer Chiefs earlier in the day. Miguel Cardoso’s side knew victory would be enough to restore them to the summit.

Cardoso made several changes following Sundowns’ midweek Carling Knockout victory over Marumo Gallants. Only goalkeeper Ricardo Goss and Malibongwe Khoza kept their places in the starting XI.

Durban City coach Eric Tinkler also changed his team, bringing Ethan Brooks, Jean Lubumba and Bandile Shandu into the starting line-up.

The home side controlled possession from the opening stages and came close to taking the lead after 10 minutes. Aubrey Modiba broke down the left and picked out Cassius Mailula at the far post, but Federick Asare produced an excellent save to deny him.

Durban City had an opportunity of their own midway through the half. Shandu created the opening for Brooks inside the box, but Brooks sent his effort over the crossbar.

That miss proved costly when Sundowns opened the scoring 10 minutes before half-time. Defender Matuludi rose to meet the ball and powered a header beyond Asare, registering his first goal for the club.

Tinkler responded at the interval with a triple substitution. Samkelo Maseko, Tylo Sanger and Bokang Trevor came on for Luphumlo Sifumba, Kyle Jurgens and Brooks as City looked to change the course of the match.

Instead, Sundowns doubled their lead in the 65th minute. Modiba again created space on the left before delivering towards the far post, where Matuludi arrived to head in his second goal of the evening.

City’s hopes of recovering were ended with 11 minutes remaining. Siyanda Ndlovu sent a precise cross into the area, and Rayners calmly finished to score his fourth league goal of the season.

Durban City did manage to breach Sundowns’ defence in the closing stages. Lubumba produced a powerful finish from eight yards to reduce the deficit, but Van Wyk restored the three-goal advantage in second-half stoppage time with a composed finish into the far corner.

Sundowns’ next fixtures are against Golden Arrows (H), USM Alger, Kruger United (A), Polokwane City (H) and Sekhukhune United (H).

Durban City face AS FAR (A), Polokwane City (H), Siwelele FC (A), Marumo Gallants (H) and Al Ahly Tripoli (H).