Mamelodi Sundowns regained their composure after a poor first half on Wednesday, earning a 3-1 comeback victory over Marumo Gallants in action from South Africa's top flight Betway Premiership.
Memories were awakened of last week's shock defeat to TS Galaxy when Gallants forward Junior Dion put the hosts ahead towards the end of the first half. The Ivorian leaped up to head in precision cross from Daniel Nsendami to give Gallants the lead against the run of play.
However, Sundowns found their scoring boots at halftime. In the 51st minute, Iqraam Rayners found midfielder Marcelo Allende with a pass at the edge of the Gallants penalty area and the Chilean's shot lacked power but went low just beyond the reach of goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
A late double blow completed Sundowns' comeback around the 80th minute mark. Lucas Ribeiro was wide open for an easy finish in the 79th minute after substitute striker Arthur Sales provided a low cross that undressed the Gallants defense. Less than two minutes later, Teboho Mokoena was given too much room in the midfield and Sundowns' maestro picked out the run of Rayners who followed up for a routine finish after his initial effort was denied.
The other match on Wednesday featured plenty of goals as well. Sekhukhune United moved a step closer to being the "best of the rest" behind title contenders Sundowns and Orlando Pirates with a 4-2 victory over AmaZulu. Keletso Makgalway provided a goal and two assists, both to former Pirates attacker Linda Mntambo in a thrilling clash that went back and forth.
Sekhukhune are now one point back of third place Polokwane City with Sekhukhune having played one less match than their fellow Limpopo province side. AmaZulu remain in 8th place following the result.
League Table (Top-8)
GP | Points | |
Mamelodi Sundowns | 17 | 45 |
Orlando Pirates | 14 | 33 |
Polokwane City | 18 | 29 |
Sekhukhune United | 17 | 28 |
TS Galaxy | 18 | 25 |
Kaizer Chiefs | 18 | 25 |
Stellenbosch | 15 | 23 |
AmaZulu | 18 | 23 |
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