Downs’ extra quality shows

Mamelodi Sundowns continued their dominance over SuperSport United as they won yet another Tshwane derby 2-1 yesterday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

The defending Absa Premiership champions opened the scoring in the 10th minute through a Lebogang Maboe (below) grass-cutter, beating Matsatsantsa skipper Ronwen Williams.

Before the Brazilians went on to double their lead, SuperSport defender Bongani Khumalo was shown the game’s first yellow card by referee Kulasande Qongqo. The veteran centreback found himself on the wrong side of the law, when he instigated a scuffle between himself and striker Jeremy Brockie after the latter was not happy with a challenge by Khumalo.

It was Lyle Lakay who increased Masandawana’s advantage in the 34th minute after he scored after a through-ball from Man-of-theMatch Themba Zwane.

That goal prompted United coach Kaitano Tembo to look towards his bench and make two substitutions before half-time. Ghanaian defender Richard Boateng was the first to be withdrawn as Onismor Bhasera took his place. Tembo then introduced the versatile Aubrey Modiba and recalled central midfielder Phumlani Ntshangase. Tembo made his final substitution around the hour mark when he brought Zambian youngster Ghampani Lungu for Evans Rusike.

However, it was Modiba of the three substitutes who looked a lot livelier, as he struck the crossbar in the 53rd minute. He went on to create United’s goal in the 66th minute when his cross found Morgan Gould in the box and the 35-year-old made no mistake, firing home.

In a bid to restore their twogoal cushion, Pitso Mosimane brought on striker Toni Silva – who went on to miss a sitter – and withdrew former SuperSport forward Brockie and later introduced Aubrey Ngoma for crowd favourite Gaston Sirino.