Downs outclass Galaxy on home soil

After suffering a 1-0 defeat against TS Galaxy earlier this month, Mamelodi Sundowns were clinical in their pursuit to bag maximum points against the Rockets in their reverse fixture in the Betway Premiership fixture this weekend following a 4-1 victory at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening.

Downs powered their way to 3-1 lead in the first-half as Peter Shalulile and Iqraam Rayners caused havoc in the Galaxy defence. Rayners’ solitary strike in the second-half added gloss to the scoreline as Downs marched to a crucial win at home.

Sundowns wasted no time in taking the game to their opponents and took the lead in the first minute of the match. After making their way into the Galaxy half, Lucas Ribeiro shifted the ball into the path of Rayners, who then found Shalulile as the Namibian made no mistake with a left-footed shot inside the box.

Rayners turned provider into scorer moments before the 10th minute mark; after capping off a Marcelo Allende assist on the edge of the six-yard box with a well taken half-volley from close range.

However, Galaxy did not rest on their laurels and drew one back just three minutes later. After latching onto a through ball inside the Downs half, Victor Letsoalo picked out Sphiwe Mahlangu who guided the ball beyond Jody February with ease.

The Brazilians tripled their advantage shortly before the break as Jaden Adams joined Shalulile and Rayners on the scoresheet in the 38th minute. After latching onto a loose ball in the middle of the goal, a back-peddling Adams rifled the ball home with a thunderous strike from the middle of the goal.

It was more of the same forward pressure from the hosts after the break as Sundowns added their fourth goal in the 50th minute. After a darting run on the right flank by Thapelo Morena, Rayners got on the end of a low cross at the far post before slotting the ball home with ease.

With Sundowns in full control of the game, the Rockets battled to get a hold of the ball and were reduced to playing most of their football inside their own half for the majority of the second-half.

Nevertheless, Downs proved to be too powerful for their opponents on the day and took one step closer to clinching the 2024/25 league title.

Mamelodi Sundowns: (3) 4 (Shalulile 1’, Rayners 7’ 50’, Adams 38’ )

TS Galaxy: (1) 1 (Mahlangu 10’)

Mamelodi Sundowns: February, Khoza, Suarez (Lebusa 75’), Tiwani, Morena, Aubaas (Mokoena 30’), Allende (Kodisang 59’, Adams, Ribeiro (Letlhaku 59’), Rayners (Sales 59’), Shalulile

TS Galaxy: Ira, Sibande, Ndamane (Seema 73’), Kabini, Munyai, Mgaga, Mvelase (Mbunjana 65’), Mahlangu (Dithejane 46’), Zajmovic (Sibanyoni 46’), Sebelebele (Masiya 65’), Letsoalo