Mamelodi Sundowns began Match Round 1 of the Premier Soccer League with a convincing 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants, with Malibongwe Khoza and Cassius Mailula scoring the goals.
Mamelodi Sundowns
- Ronwen Hayden Williams (7.9)
- Khuliso Johnson Mudau (6.9)
- G. Kekana (6.9)
- Malibongwe Khoza (7.9)
- Fawaaz Basadien (7.2)
- Bennet Mokoena (6.9)
- Marcelo Allende (7.9)
- B. J. Aubaas (8.3)
- Tashreeq Matthews (6.7)
- Cassius Mailula (7.3)
- Brayan Léon Muñiz (6.7)
Marumo Gallants
- Emile Lako (7.3)
- Sibusiso Ncube (6.2)
- M. Rikhotso (6.7)
- M. Sikakane (6.9)
- Yanga Madiba (6.5)
- E. Manaka (6.7)
- B. Mabuza (6.9)
- S. Mbhele (6.2)
- Msindisi Ndlovu (6.6)
- K. Otladisa (6.3)
- N. Ndlondlo (6.7)
Substitutions:
Mamelodi Sundowns
- Khuliso Johnson Mudau (Zuko Mdunyelwa, 38)
- Tashreeq Matthews (Themba Zwane, 61)
- Bennet Mokoena (S. Ndlovu, 62)
- Fawaaz Basadien (Aubrey Maphosa Modiba, 62)
- Cassius Mailula (Kutlwano Letlhaku, 77)
Marumo Gallants
- S. Mbhele (Lebogang Button, 56)
- M. Ndlovu (T. Dhludhlu, 72)
- B. Mabuza (Khomotso Marebane, 72)
- K. Otladisa
Ball possession:
Khoza put Sundowns ahead in the 21st minute before Mailula doubled the advantage 23 minutes after half-time. Sundowns controlled the match for long periods, dominating possession and limiting Gallants to few clear opportunities.
Passes:
The result gives Mamelodi Sundowns an ideal start to their PSL campaign, while Marumo Gallants were unable to match the intensity or control of their opponents.
Defense:
Sundowns dictated the opening stages and eventually broke the deadlock after 21 minutes through Khoza. The midfielder’s goal rewarded the home side’s territorial dominance and gave Gallants an early challenge to overcome.
Face-to-face:
Gallants attempted to respond, but Sundowns remained the more dangerous side in possession. Their attacking pressure was reflected in their shooting numbers, with Brayan Léon Muñiz identified as the team’s most active player in terms of attempts.
Fouls:
- Yellow cards:
- Malibongwe Khoza (Mamelodi Sundowns) at 32 minute
The last five games (including this match):
- Mamelodi Sundowns – WW
- Marumo Gallants – LD
Top 5 Premier Soccer League scorers:
- Quwan Plaatjies (3, Stellenbosch)
- Victor Letsoalo (2, TS Galaxy)
- Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya (2, Amazulu)
- Sphelele Mkhulise (2, Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Bright Ndlovu (1, Sekhukhune United)
Line-ups:
Next games:
- Mamelodi Sundowns will play with Amazulu. August 26 at 17:30 (GMT), on Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.
- Marumo Gallants will play with TS Galaxy. August 25 at 17:30 (GMT), on Thohoyandou Stadium.
