Sundowns too good for Richards Bay


By Neo Poho

Mamelodi Sundowns started their 2023 Nedbank Cup campaign with a 3-2 victory against Richards Bay on Tuesday night at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena made several changes as the likes of Lesedi Kapinga, Bradley Ralani, Bongani Zungu and Sipho Mbule all started the match while Cassius Mailula and Neo Maema just to name a few were on the bench.

Sundowns started the match with an intention of finishing the game off in the first half as Peter Shalulile broke the deadlock in the 11th minute of the match.

Sundowns continued with their brilliant start to the match as they dominated proceedings in the first half but lacked composure in front of goal.

Richards Bay were then gifted an opportunity to equalize in the 30th minute when they were awarded a controversial penalty and Nkanyiso Zungu stepped up to restore parity for the side from KZN. 

Sundowns came back into the second with a much better approach and mentality as Mosa Lebusa scored in the 46th minute after a pin point corner kick from Sipho Mbule.

10 minutes later, Peter Shalulile scored his brace with a beautiful long drive shot that left Richards Bay goalkeeper Salim Magoola with no chance of getting a hand to it.

Sundowns then continued to dominate the match, creating chances that never really amounted to anything.

Richards Bay's Katleho Makateng scored in the 90th minute to set up a nervy finish to the encounter but with the wealth of experience Sundowns have, Rhulani Mokwena's charges were able to hold on and claim the victory.

Man of the match Sipho Mbule expressed his gratitude to the technical team for giving him an opportunity to be part of the starting XI while his coach Rhulani Mokwena was proud of how Mbule executed his performance on the night.

In another last 32 fixture on Tuesday night, Marumo Gallants advanced to the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup after defeating Magesi FC 3-1 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. 

Goals by Letsie Koapeng, Judas Moseamedi and Tebogo Thangwane were enough to see last year's losing finalists advance to the next round while Kagiso Selemela scored the consolation goal for Magesi FC.

Article Tags

Football

Nedbank Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns

Richards Bay FC

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