Mamelodi Sundowns defeated SuperSport United 2-0 on Sunday evening at TUKS Stadium with an absolutely dominant performance. Masandawana entered the match in fine form after defeating Stellies 3-0 midweek in the DStv Premiership, while Matsatsantsa also earned three points on the same evening. Bafana Ba Style had numerous opportunities in the first half, but United’s sturdy defense only broke in the second, as Coach Rulana Mokwena remarked in a post-victory press conference.
“Congratulations to the entire football club and the players for winning a very challenging game. We needed to run and be patient, and we knew there would be a very determined block, but we did exceptionally well. We played without fear, we gave our all, which is very, very excellent, and I’d want to congratulate the technical staff on a significant victory.”
Tom Chile international recruit Marcelo Allende scored in the eightieth minute, and Ethiopian forward Abubeker Nasir scored in the ninetieth to give the hosts an unbelievable victory. “We could see that the movements of our fullbacks determine the positioning of their wingbacks, so if we go a little bit deeper then it’s a line of five, but if you come a little bit shallower it’s a line of three, and when we were able to do that both goals came from there,” said Masandawana’s coach.
“When Thapelo Morena shot, he did a double movement, the ball was played behind him, and then there was a line of three. [Teboho mokoena] Tebza runs slightly behind because Thapelo is not as deep, and then we have opportunities to get the ball into the box for the second goal. But ultimately, it comes down to the quality of the players; Marcello and Nasir’s aggression and quickness to get into the box cannot be taught, and that’s where the goals come from. The quality of the players, credit to them, and the quality of the substitutes, who brought the game to a very high level since the players on the field were also excellent.”
Coach Rulani continued by praising his players: “Today, Tebza and Andile Jali performed admirably. Peter is consistently excellent, selfless, and driven to succeed. Neo [Maema] was okay [but] could be more involved, [Themba Zwane] Mshishi was good between the lines, Mudau was also comparatively very good, his moves and he could’ve scored today – in fact, he should’ve scored – but it was a solid performance from everyone, not just the starters or substitutes.”
The Brazilians are awaiting their fate as the MTN8 draw will be broadcast live on SuperSport Channel 202 at 20:30 on Monday, August 29.