Classy ’Downs see off City

C.T City ............ 0 Sundowns ........ 2

PRETORIA – Mamelodi claimed a 2-0 win

Cape Town City at the Stadium in the opening Premiership match of 2022/23 season last night.

The Tshwane giants produced a strong second-half performance after being frustrated by the Citizens in the first half. Two second half goals from Aubrey Modiba and Themba Zwane earned Masandawana a win over the stubborn hosts.

The Citizens were left to rue their missed chances in the first half when they were looking dangerous on the counterattack. It is now back to the drawing

Sundowns over DHL DStv the board for the Mother City side who couldn’t score on the night.

The Citizens’ tight defence was able to contain Masandawana’s dangerous attack which was led by the lethal Peter Shalulile. Most of the balls which were played in the City box were either cleared away or gathered by goalkeeper Hugo Marques.

The hosts looked dangerous on the counterattack especially on the right-hand side with Khanyisa Mayo creating problems for Sundowns’ defence. Thabo Nodada and debutant Luke Daniels failed to hit the target from close range after connecting with topnotch crosses from the right.

The defending champions came back an improved side in the second half and they managed to open the scoring. The visitors were awarded a free-kick after Haas Domingo was fouled near the City box and Aubrey Modiba scored with a fabulous strike from the set-piece to make it 1-0 to Sundowns in the 61st minute.

Sundowns were soon 2-0 up two minutes later after a good move by the visitors with the influential Domingo, who was having a great game, being involved. The creative player played a defence-splitting pass for Themba Zwane who made no mistake as he beat Marques to make it 2-0 Sundowns.

The momentum was with the Citizens in the latter stages of the match with coach Eric Tinkler having introduced attackers Mogamat May and Kajally Drammeh. However, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams pulled off decent saves to deny the City duo.