Mamelodi Sundowns fell 2-1 on the road at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Friday night in their second derby of the season. Thapelo Maseko’s and Bradley Grobler’s goals were enough to give Masandawana all three points, but Nasir Abubeker’s late goal was not enough to earn the visitors a victory.
Iqraam Rayners of United launched a shot on goal inside the first three minutes of the game, but Ronwen Williams was quick to make the save. Shortly afterwards, the Brazilians countered with a pass from Marcelo Allende to Nasir, whose shot was on target, but George Chigova made no errors and caught the ball.
United took the lead in the eighth minute when, after a well-executed changeover of play, Rayners delivered the ball to Maseko, who found space between the Sundowns defenders to score the game’s first goal.
Thapelo Morena found Neo Maema right beyond the penalty area after 15 minutes of play, as Bafana Ba Style was attempting to score an equalizer. Maema controlled the pass and attempted a long-range shot, but was unable to connect. Offside was called on Nasir’s attempt on goal, and Chigova made the save to preserve Matsatsantsa’s advantage.
Andile Jali’s long ball to Nasir, who was rushing into the box, allowed Andile Jali to breach the defense and deprive Masandawana the opportunity for a comeback. United defenders collided with the Ethiopian international as he passed the ball to Teboho Mokoena. The midfielder attempted to capitalize on the opportunity by taking a shot that went just over the crossbar.
Grobler scored the second goal for the home team on a cross from Rayners after a defensive miscue on the left flank. Sundowns entered the intermission down by two goals to none.
The Brazilians were the first to attempt a goal in the second half, with Maema’s effort being blocked by the goalie and resulting in a corner kick. The Tshwane giants’ delivery into the box was insufficient to challenge the opponents, and United recovered position.
Jali halted a counterattack and swiftly sent the ball forward, but his teammates were unable to connect with the ball to take a shot on goal as the home side exerted pressure on the opposing team as they worked the ball from the back. Bafana Ba Style made three substitutions with around 30 minutes remaining, substituting Bradley Ralani for Allende, Themba Zwane for Mokoena, and Sipho Mbule for Mame. In addition to Lyle Lakay and Morena leaving the field, Aubrey Modiba and Mothobi Mvala were also substituted into the game.
Nasir’s effort to find his teammates in the penalty area prompted Matsatsantsa to worry, but not enough for a goal to be scored. From a free kick granted to Masandawana, Modiba crossed the ball into the penalty area. Peter Shalulile headed the ball toward the goal, but it sailed over the crossbar.
At the 90-minute mark, Downs remained committed to playing until the final whistle. The referee added three minutes to the game, and Masandawana’s efforts were ultimately rewarded. Ralani delivered a cross into the crowded box, which was full with United players, but Nasir scored the game-winning goal for the visitors with a header.
United scored their first victory of the 2022-23 season, and The Brazilians will seek to bounce back in their next league match.
This is how we formed a line:
Williams, T. Morena (85′ Mvala), L. Lakay (65′ Modiba), N. Abubeker, B. Onyango, R. De Reuck, T. Mokoena (59′ Zwane), A. Jali © , N. Maema (59′ Mbule), M. Allende (59′ Ralani), P. Shalulile
Subs:D. Onyango (GK), M. Lebusa, B. Ralani, S. Mkhulise, S. Mbule, M. Mvala, K. Mudau, T. Zwane, A. Modiba.