The Citizen (Gauteng)

Sundowns back to winning ways

- Katlego Modiba

Mamelodi Sundowns got back to winning ways at Loftus Versfeld last night with an emphatic 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy in a DStv Premiershi­p encounter.

The Brazilians dominated the game from the first whistle and had a commanding 2-0 lead at the break with Peter Shalulile getting a brace.

Thembinkos­i Lorch came off the bench to round off the scoring in the second half as Sundowns edge closer to another league title.

Masandwana need just one more win to pick up a record-extending seventh successive league title.

They will wrap up the league championsh­ip should they pick up a win against nemesis Kaizer Chiefs tomorrow.

Sundowns will also be crowned champions if second-placed Stellenbos­ch FC loses to Golden Arrows tonight.

Shalulile came under scrutiny for his lacklustre showing in the Caf Champions League semifinal defeat to Esperance last Friday.

Before the clash against Galaxy, the 30-year-old’s last league goal came against Cape Town Spurs in December.

In fact, the Namibian’s only goal this year came in a Champions League game against TP Mazembe last month. He made up for his poor performanc­e by grabbing a brace as Sundowns extended their unbeaten run to 23 league matches.

His first goal was a half-volley from a Themba Zwane cross from the right while the second came from a silky move that saw Zwane set him up with a lovely back heel.

Zwane was again involved in the third goal, this time he fed Lorch inside the box who unleashed a first time shot to kill off the game.

The win will go a long way in easing the heartache of the loss to Esperance and the home fans were treated to some great football as Sundowns played with flair. The Rockets simply didn’t turn up in Tshwane and hardly threatened the whole night.

Their best chance came from the spot but Bernard Parker had his penalty saved by Ronwen Williams. It was Parker’s first game back since the horrific leg break earlier this season.

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