Sundowns sink AmaZulu in high-scoring thriller 

by Chumasande Matiwane

Mamelodi Sundowns produced a ruthless attacking display at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night, sweeping aside AmaZulu 5-2 in a seven-goal thriller that lifted the Brazilians level with Orlando Pirates at the top of the Betway Premiership. 

Also see: Orlando Pirates crowned Betway Champions 

The victory was an emphatic response from Sundowns following their recent MTN8 setback and extended their unbeaten start to the league campaign. The result leaves Sundowns with 10 points from four matches, level with leaders Orlando Pirates, although Pirates remain top on goal difference. 

Dominance from the start

The hosts looked to assert their dominance very early in the game, but the chances were swept away by the AmaZulu defence.  

But a 25th-minute goal from Brayan León is what saw the Mamelodi team break the deadlock. From a high ball, the Colombian found the rebound just on the edge of the box and fired a half-volley into the net. 

Sundowns went to halftime with a 2-0 lead, but AmaZulu responded immediately after the break. Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya pulled one back in the 46th minute, briefly giving Usuthu hope of completing a comeback. 

But that hope was short-lived as Tashreeq Matthews restored Sundowns’ two-goal cushion in the 51st minute before León struck again in the 66th minute to make it 4-1.

 

Also see: Sundowns begin title chase against TS Galaxy

Sundowns’ attacking quality shines

The scoreline reflected Sundowns’ dominance in possession and territory. The performance also demonstrated the depth of Sundowns’ attacking options. While León supplied the finishing touch, Mokoena and Matthews also found the net, and the team’s sustained pressure repeatedly stretched the AmaZulu defence, eventually winning the match.  

SuperSport described the encounter as one of the most entertaining Betway Premiership matches of the season so far, with both sides contributing to an open and highly attacking contest. 

Despite conceding twice before halftime, AmaZulu refused to surrender. Ngwenya’s goals at the start and later stages of the second half showed the visitors’ ability to punish Sundowns when opportunities arose. 

However, Sundowns’ response after each AmaZulu goal ultimately proved decisive. The Brazilians continued attacking rather than protecting their lead, eventually restoring their three-goal advantage through Bennet Mokoena’s late strike. 

The defeat leaves AmaZulu on seven points from four matches, while Sundowns move to 10 points and remain unbeaten in the league. 

Also see: Match day: Sundowns set for AmaZulu showdown at Loftus

Featured image: X/@panafricafootball

Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!