BLOEMFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 19: Lucas Ribeiro Mamelodi Sundowns during the Betway Premiership match between Marumo Gallants FC and Mamelodi Sundowns at Free State Stadium on February 19, 2025 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Photo by Charle Lombard/Gallo Images)
Mamelodi Sundowns moved 12 points clear at the top of the Betway Premiership table with a 3-1 victory away to Marumo Gallants on Wednesday night.
Betway Premiership
Result: Marumo Gallants 1-3 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 18 February 2025
Venue: Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium
Brazilians coach Miguel Cardoso recalled the first-team regulars after the Nedbank Cup action although goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was not named in the squad as Denis Onyango continued in goal.
The game was played at a lively pace in the opening exchanges, but it was Sundowns who dominated from the onset although Gallants were holding their own on the defensive end.
The visitors grew stronger as the first half on, with the combination play taking centre stage and keeping the Gallants defence on their toes, as Jayden Adams squandered a big headed chances after 20 minutes.
Despite all the dominance, it was Gallants who broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when Junior Dion got his first goal for the season by nodding home Daniel Msendami’s cross at the far post.
Sundowns were camped in the Gallants half for the remainder of the first half, but they were unable to carve out any clear-cut chances for the likes of Shalulile and Iqraam Rayners.
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However, Sundowns needed just five minutes to get the equaliser in the second period when Marcelo Allende carved out some space in the box before rifling into the bottom corner for his first league goal of the campaign.
After Gallants had introduced Gabadinho Mhango to bolster their attack, Cardoso responded with a change of his won just after the hour mark as Arthur Sales replaced Shalulile in the attack for the final 30 minutes.
The decision to introduce Sales paid off as the substitute carved out some space on the left flank before picking out Lucas Costa Ribeiro, who took one touch and fired home his 10th league goal of the season on 78 minutes.
The visitors made the game safe two minutes later when Iqraam Rayners saw his initial effort saved by Arubi, but the Bafana Bafana striker showed great reflexes to latch onto the rebound and fire into the back of the net.
The game did end on a sour note for Sundowns, who were reduced to ten men on 90 minutes when Onyango was shown a straight red card for a professional foul as the last man.
Here’s how they lined up:
Marumo Gallants: 36. Arubi, 20. Khumalo, 29. Nthatheni, 35. Sikhosana, 18. Chabatsane, 15. Nemtajela, 26. Sithole, 5. Manaka, 22. Msendami, 33. Dion, 9. Zindonga
Subs: 1. K. Mlambo, 3. Rikhotso, 6. Mahlatsi, 7. Mhango, 8. Mokobodi, 10. Mphambaniso, 13. Ncube, 17. Prins, 21. Mabotja
Mamelodi Sundowns: 1. Onyango, 27. Morena, 20. Kekana, 32. Suarez, 6. Modiba, 44. Adams, 4. Mokoena, 10. Ribeiro, 11. Allende, 13. Rayners, 38. Shalulile
Subs: 36. February, 5. Lebusa, Cupido, 31. Tiwani, 19. Aubaas, 21. Mkhulise, 42. Letlhaku, 33. Maseko, 9. Sales
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