Mamelodi Sundowns delivered an emphatic attacking performance as they defeated AmaZulu 5-2 in a thrilling Betway Premiership encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Brazilians entered the match needing a response following their 1-0 defeat to Golden Arrows in the first leg of their MTN8 semifinal. Miguel Cardoso’s side produced exactly that, with Brayan León scoring twice and Teboho Mokoena making an impressive return from injury.
The victory moved Sundowns onto 10 points after four league matches, level with early leaders Orlando Pirates. AmaZulu, meanwhile, suffered their first Betway Premiership defeat of the season.
León Gets Sundowns Going
Sundowns started positively and gradually took control against an AmaZulu side attempting to remain compact defensively.
The breakthrough arrived in the 25th minute. Cassius Mailula’s effort was deflected into the path of León, who produced an excellent volley to beat goalkeeper Faveur Kouassi and give the hosts a 1-0 advantage.
Things became even better for Masandawana seven minutes later.
Mokoena, returning after an ankle injury had kept him out of recent matches, announced his comeback in spectacular fashion. The Bafana Bafana midfielder curled a brilliant free kick into the top corner from outside the penalty area to double Sundowns’ advantage.
Sundowns went into halftime firmly in control at 2-0.
AmaZulu Fight Back After Halftime
AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane made changes in an attempt to change the direction of the match, and Usuthu responded almost immediately after the restart.
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya pulled one back after connecting with a Riaan Hanamub cross, reducing Sundowns’ lead to 2-1.
However, any hopes of an AmaZulu comeback were quickly damaged.
Tashreeq Matthews restored Sundowns’ two-goal advantage in the 51st minute. Kouassi could only parry an effort into Matthews’ path, allowing him to finish into the unguarded goal.
The match had suddenly opened up, and Sundowns took full advantage of the extra space.
León Completes His Brace
León struck again in the 66th minute to make it 4-1. Matthews initially hit the upright during the attacking move before Sundowns eventually worked the ball back into a dangerous position for León to finish.
The Colombian’s brace capped an impressive individual performance and continued his encouraging start to the league campaign.
AmaZulu refused to surrender.
Ngwenya scored his second goal of the evening around the 70th minute after Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams had ventured away from his area. The striker’s double took his league tally to five goals, putting him at the top of the early Premiership scoring charts.
Despite Ngwenya’s efforts, AmaZulu could not complete an unlikely comeback.
Bennet Mokoena Completes the Rout
Sundowns continued searching for another goal rather than simply protecting their advantage.
Their ambition was rewarded in stoppage time when substitute Bennet Mokoena scored to complete the 5-2 victory.
It was a statement performance from the reigning African champions, particularly after the disappointment of their MTN8 semifinal first-leg defeat to Golden Arrows.
Sundowns also extended their impressive unbeaten home run in league football to 32 matches.
For Cardoso, however, the two goals conceded will provide something to work on. Sundowns were outstanding going forward but showed moments of vulnerability defensively, particularly during the second half.
Sundowns Keep Pace With Pirates
The result leaves Sundowns level with Orlando Pirates on 10 points after four matches, although Pirates occupy first position in the early standings.
Attention now turns back to cup football for Sundowns. They face Golden Arrows in the second leg of their MTN8 semifinal on Sunday and must overturn a 1-0 deficit to reach the final.
AmaZulu will have to regroup after their first league loss, but Ngwenya’s goalscoring form remains a major positive for Arthur Zwane’s side.
For Sundowns, a seven-goal thriller at Loftus provided an emphatic reminder of the attacking quality available to Cardoso as the race for the Betway Premiership title begins to gather momentum.