Given TS Galaxy’s propensity for giving Mamelodi Sundowns headaches, this was supposed to be another stern examination for the Brazilians last night, but it turned into a one-sided romp.
The two sides met shortly after TS Galaxy stunned Sundowns 1-0 in their first round meeting in Mbombela and projections that Galaxy would register a league double.
It was not to be for the visitors as Sundowns flexed their considerable muscle and conjured up a polished 4-1 Betway Premiership win, in which they controlled the match and played delightful attacking football.
Masandawana started tentatively with unconvincing victories under coach Miguel Cardoso, but they are finding their feet, and this was a strong statement for their title credentials. With this impressive win, they got sweet revenge for last week’s loss but, more importantly, Sundowns have scored 18 goals in their last six league games.
Sundowns have maintained their 12-point lead at the top over Pirates, who beat Cape Town City in the earlier match yesterday. The Buccaneers have three games in hand.
For TS Galaxy, it is back to the proverbial drawing board as they were outplayed by a Sundowns team peaking in time for the resumption of the Champions League.
In a frantic opening 10 minutes Sundowns took an early 2-0 lead through goals by Peter Shalulile and Iqraam Rayners before Sphiwe Mahlangu pulled one back.
There was more drama in the 26th minute when referee Abongile Tom sent TS Galaxy striker Victor Letsoalo for an early shower for a dangerous tackle on Bathusi Aubaas, who was replaced by Teboho Mokoena.
Sundowns got off to a good start when Shalilile scored in the second minute from close range. The Brazilians increased their lead five minutes later when Rayners punched the ball after he received a pass from Marcello Allende despite pressure from defender Ndamane Khulumani.
The third goal arrived during the busy opening 10 minutes and the visitors got their name on the scoresheet through Mahlangu who rounded off Sundowns goalkeeper Jody February before putting the ball in the net.
Sundowns pulled away in style when an impressive Jayden Adams pounced from close range after a ball rebounded off a Galaxy defender and fell on his path. The Pretoria outfit effectively wrapped up the match when Rayners connected with Thapelo Morena’s cross four minutes after the restart for his brace.
Cardoso once again relied on the depth of his squad as he made four changes to the team that beat Marumo Gallants 3-1 during the week, with February coming on for Denis Onyango between the poles.
In defence, he brought back Malibongwe Khoza in place of Grant Kekana; Asekho Tiwani replaced Aubrey Modiba while Aubaas was preferred over Mokoena.
For the second match in a row, Cardoso started with twin attackers Shalulile and Rayners, who were supported by the creative Lucas Ribeiro and Adams, and that worked like a charm.
Visiting coach Adnan Beganovic did not tinker much with his team as he only made one change to the team that lost 3-2 to Stellenbosch on Tuesday, with Kamogelo Sebelebele coming on for Puso Dithejane.
