Mariveni put on a brave display
POISED: SUNDOWNS PUNISH INCONSISTENT SAB LEAGUE SIDE
Pitso’s men seal a safe passage into the Nedbank Cup last-16.
Mamelodi Sundowns saw off a brave display from SAB League side Mariveni United last night, two second-half goals sealing a 2-0 win and ensuring safe passage for the Brazilians into the Nedbank Cup last-16.
Striker Leonardo Castro finally opened his account this season as he fired Masandawana into the lead in the 50th minute after connecting with a well-delivered Fares Hachi cross.
Two minutes later, the Columbian came close to doubling the lead, but his header struck the crossbar, leaving Anthony Laffor to head into an empty net.
As expected, Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane rested many of his regulars, giving some of his fringe players a run out. The visiting side started aggressively, but later resorted to “parking the bus” and hoping to catch the Brazilians on the counter.
The first real opportunity of the game was presented to Laffor in the 12th minute, when the Liberian turned beautifully after receiving an inch-perfect pass from Teko Modise.
But unlike the attack, Laffor’s strike failed to test Mariveni’s reliable captain and goalkeeper, Reliance Mayimele.
Mzikayise Mashaba then instigated a move from midfield, laying a pass to Hachi, and the Algerian produced a defence-splitting pass to Laffor. But the attacker couldn’t keep his shot down, wasting a glorious opportunity.
Veteran defender Thabo Nthethe also had a chance to get his name on the scoresheet as he rose up high to connect with a Modise corner six minutes before the break. But his header was off target.
Mosimane brought on Samuel Julies in place of Sibusiso Vilakazi 10 minutes before the final whistle, and the 25-year-old had an immediate impact as he sent defender Ntshunxeko Marime to the cleaners wide on the right to deliver a sublime cross, which found Mashaba in the box.
But the midfielder ballooned the ball over the bar.