Defending DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns continued their perfect start to the 2023-24 campaign on Tuesday with an easy 4-0 victory over Golden Arrows. Lesiba Nku scored twice to go along with goals from Peter Shalulile and Grant Kekana for a routine three points in the first of three matches in eight days. Arrows suffer their first defeat of the season and remain on four points through three matches.
It was a comprehensive victory for the hosts at the Lucas Moripe Stadium as Sundowns suffocated their guests with dominance of the ball and constant high pressing. In the 17th minute the champions struck for their first goal through a set piece when a corner kick service found a wide open Rivaldo Coetzee at the far post. Coetzee’s header back across the goal was flicked on by Mothobi Mvala to Shalulile who fired a volley past Arrows goalkeeper Ismail Watenga.
Things would only get more difficult for Watenga, on loan from Sundowns for the season. The Ugandan shot stopper was helpless on the second goal three minutes later when Marcello Allende’s backheel found Neo Maema on the left wing for a low cross that was finished from close range by Nku. Before halftime Sundowns made it three through Kekana after the defender sent a perfect glancing header past Watenga from an Allende corner kick service.
Arrows found little relief after halftime and before two minutes had elapsed in the second half, Nku tallied his second goal with an easy finish on the rebound after Maema’s shot was spilled by Watenga. Only after the four-goal lead was established did Sundowns let up but supporters will welcome the team’s first victory by multiple goals this season.
Highlights from the match are below.
