Sundowns beat Amazulu 1-nil, Pirates thrash Gallants 8-1 - SABC ...

Ten-man Mamelodi Sundowns registered a hard fought 1-nil win over Amazulu in a Betway Premiership match at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban. And Orlando Pirates thrashed Marumo Gallants 8-1 at the Orlando stadium.

Sundowns remain on top of the log by three points having played an extra match. Downs started the match looking to consolidate their position.

The Brazilians dominated ball possession and almost scored when Lucas Ribeiro teed up Khuliso Mudau in the box. But the Bafana Bafana right back fumbled his opportunity.

The defending PSL champions exerted more pressure looking for an early goal, but Aubrey Modiba’s shot was blocked by Ramahlwe Mphahlele.

And moments later, Sundowns were on the attack once again but Richard Ofori did well to save the shot. Sundowns had a free kick moments later, but Teboho Mokoena’s shot went over the bar.

Amazulu had a rare opportunity in the first half, but Ronwen Williams was quick to foil the danger. And the home team almost benefited from the mistake from Rushine De Reuck in the box. Usuthu were having a good spell in the game, but Tashreeq Fielies’s shot did not trouble Williams.

The Brazilians almost opened the scoring with a great move in the box, but once again Mudau spurned a glorious opportunity.

Ribeiro made a wonderful run and played a decent cross in the box, but Usutu did well to clear the danger. Kobamelo Kodisang also made a great run in the box, but his tame shot was easily saved by Ofori.

In the second half, Sundowns were reduced to ten-man when Ronwen Williams was sent off for handling the ball outside the box.

The visitors scored in the last minute of regulation time when Iqraam Rayners converted from Mokoena’s set piece. It was Rayners sixth league goal of the season. Amazulu had a last opportunity to equalize, but Riaan Manamub’s attempt was saved by substitute goalkeeper Dennis Onyango.

In the other match, Orlando Pirates hammered Marumo Gallants 8-1 at the Orlando stadium. The Buccaneers started the match brightly when Kenneth Nthateni unfortunately scored an own goal from Deon Hotto’s effort. And then the match was delayed for a long time due to inclement weather.

In the second half, the home team were rampant to score seven goals. Tshegofatso Mabasa converted a cross from Deano Van Rooyen. And few moments later, Mabasa scored his brace from a lovely play in the box.

And then Van Rooyen scored goal himself after an interchange in the box. Mabasa scored a hattrick from a corner kick to make it 5-1 to the home team.

Thalenthe Mbatha added another goal for Pirates with a well taken shot from outside the box. Mbatha scored his brace moments later with yet another powerful shot from outside the box.

Pirates put the final nail in the coffin with a penalty. Boitumelo Radiopane converted a spot kick to hand the Buccaneers a 8-1 victory.