Teboho Mokoena returns to inspire Sundowns in five-goal win over AmaZulu

Mamelodi Sundowns moved level with Orlando Pirates at the top of the Betway Premiership after a commanding 5-2 victory over AmaZulu at Loftus on Wednesday, with Teboho Mokoena marking his return from injury with a goal.

Sundowns now have 10 points, alongside Pirates, after Brayan Leon scored twice and Mokoena, Tashreeq Matthews and Bennet Mokoena also found the net. AmaZulu responded through a brace from Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, who moved to the top of the league’s scoring charts, but could not prevent their side from slipping further behind the leaders.

Kaizer Chiefs also lost ground after being held to a 2-2 draw by Richards Bay FC in Durban. AmaZulu’s defeat leaves both clubs under pressure from Milford FC, the newly promoted side occupying fifth place.

The main team news at Loftus was the return of Sundowns’ midfield anchor Mokoena, who had missed the previous four matches in all competitions with an ankle injury.

He was restored to the starting line-up, although Marcelo Allende was left on the bench. Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso instead selected Sphelele Mkhulise and Siyanda Ndlovu in central midfield alongside Mokoena.

The home side made a cautious start but opened the scoring in impressive fashion after 25 minutes. Leon met the ball with a well-executed volley which gave AmaZulu goalkeeper Faveur Kouassi no chance and secured the Colombian striker’s second league goal of the season.

Sundowns doubled their advantage seven minutes later when Mokoena stepped up to take a free-kick from the edge of the penalty area. His powerful effort was beyond Kouassi before the goalkeeper could react.

AmaZulu manager Arthur Zwane attempted to change the course of the match before half-time, making two substitutions in the 40th minute. Keagan Allen and Siyanda Hlangabeza came on for Omega Mdaka and Siphamandla Zikhali.

The visitors, however, reduced the deficit almost immediately after the interval. Malibongwe Khoza tried to clear the ball inside the opening minute of the second half, but his attempted clearance struck Ngwenya and looped past Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

AmaZulu continued to attack quickly after the restart, and the move that led to the goal began with their fast start. The ball fell in front of Khoza, whose clearance rebounded off Ngwenya and found its way into the net.

Sundowns restored their two-goal lead in the 51st minute after Kouassi made a mistake under pressure from Allan. Matthews reacted quickest to finish from close range.

Leon then completed his second goal of the night after the hour mark. Matthews was involved again, setting up his team-mate after an earlier effort had struck the post with Kouassi beaten.

AmaZulu refused to concede without another response. Ngwenya took advantage of errors in both the Sundowns defence and from Williams to score his second goal and make it 4-2.

The result was settled in the closing stages when substitute Bennet Mokoena, a highly rated midfielder, struck from close range to complete Sundowns’ five-goal haul and secure a decisive three points.

The other Betway Premiership fixtures played on Wednesday saw Golden Arrows beat Stellenbosch 1-0, while Polokwane City and Milford FC drew 0-0.