Barcelona beat brave Sundowns

A BRAVE Mamelodi Sundowns tried their best, but the wizards from Barcelona were too good at the FNB Stadium last night.

Barca won the Nelson Mandela Centenary Cup match in Soweto 3-1.

Sundowns playmaker Percy Tau had a few good moments, but the biggest cheers were reserved for Barca superstar Lionel Messi.

Messi started on the bench, but was cheered every time his face appeared on the stadium’s big screen.

When he came on in the 74th minute, the cameras flashed and the spectators screamed in delight.

It was as if Messi inspired Sundowns, too, as the hosts began taking the game to the visitors. Sundowns also gave fans a special memory when Sibusiso Vilakazi scored.

Apart from one or two pitch invaders, there was no repeat of the scenes at Moses Mabhida Stadium three weeks ago, when Kaizer Chiefs fans stormed the pitch, vandalised broadcasting equipment, attacked and injured a security guard, and burnt chairs.

Last night, however, it was all about the football and while Barca came out tops, Sundowns finished with their heads held high.