Mamelodi Sundowns Thrash TS Galaxy 4-1 in Betway Premiership

Image credits: Picture courtesy of Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns have restored their 12-point lead at the top of the Betway Premiership table with a convincing 4-1 win over TS Galaxy on Saturday evening. The match saw Sundowns take an early lead through Peter Shalulile, who scored in the opening minute after a delivery from Rayners. Shalulile then scored his second goal of the match six minutes later, latching onto Marcelo Allende's pass to find his eighth league goal of the campaign.

TS Galaxy hit back in a goal-frenzy opening ten minutes as Victor Letsoalo pulled in position and set-up Sphiwe Mahlangu to rattle the back of the net. However, the visitors' hopes of a comeback were dashed when Letsoalo was given his marching orders for a seemingly strong challenge on Bathusi Aubaas. Bafana Bafana international Teboho Mokoena came on to replace Aubaas, who was stretchered off following the foul. Jayden Adams then scored a solid finish from the area as Ira Tape parried Shalulile's effort back into play, giving Sundowns a 3-1 lead.

The host remained in control after the break and grabbed a fourth goal when Rayners sneaked in at the back-post to fire in the far corner. Shalulile sought to double his tally too through an audacious overhead attempt in the area following Lucas Ribeiro's cross, but he went wide. The match ended with Sundowns cruising to yet another league victory and opening up a 12-point lead over second-placed Orlando Pirates. The confirmed line-ups for the match were:

• Mamelodi Sundowns: February, Khoza, Suarez, Morena, Tiwani, Aubaas, Allende, Adams, Ribeiro, Rayners, Shalulile
• Subs: Tshabalala, Lebusa, Modiba, Mokoena, Mkhulise, Kodisang, Letlhaku, Maseko, Sales
• TS Galaxy: Ira, Munyai, Kabini, Ndamane, Sibande, Mvelase, Mgaga, Sebelebele, Zajmovic, Letsoalo, Mahlangu
• Subs: Ciupa, Maduna, Seema, Mbunjana, Dithejane, Dolly, Letsoenyo, Sibanyoni

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso had earlier given an update on the injury of first-choice goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, following Denis Onyango's red card in their 3-1 Betway Premiership victory over Marumo Gallants. Onyango, who started in goal for Masandawana, received his marching orders in the 90th minute after a second yellow card. Cardoso expressed confidence that Williams would recover from his minor injury to be available for their next fixture, and also hinted that Jody February, Sanele Tshabalala, or Reyaad Pieterse could stand in as goalkeeper if needed. The injury update and the red card incident have added to the drama of the Betway Premiership, with Sundowns looking to maintain their lead at the top of the table. The team's performance has been impressive, with players like Shalulile and Adams contributing to their success.

The win over TS Galaxy has been a significant boost to Sundowns' chances of winning the Betway Premiership title. The team's ability to score goals and defend effectively has been key to their success, and they will look to continue this form in their upcoming matches. With the league title within their sights, Sundowns will be looking to maintain their focus and avoid any slip-ups that could cost them the championship. The team's fans will be eagerly waiting to see how the rest of the season unfolds, and whether Sundowns can emerge as the champions of the Betway Premiership.