Mamelodi Sundowns cruised to a convincing 4-1 victory over Richards Bay FC in their Betway Premiership clash on Tuesday evening at Princess Magogo Stadium.
Iqraam Rayners bagged a brace, while Tashreeq Matthews and Fawaaz Basadien also found the back of the net each. On the other hand, Lwandile Mabuya was on target for Richards Bay’s consolation strike.
Miguel Cardoso made four changes to the starting line-up that featured in the final against Orlando Pirates. Siyanda Ndlovu, Rayners, Cassius Mailula and Fawaaz Basadien were brought in, replacing Thapelo Morena, Brayan Leon, Nuno Santos and Aubrey Modiba.
As expected, Mamelodi Sundowns started on the front foot, dominating possession and threatening to find an early breakthrough. However, against the run of play, the Natal Rich Boyz thought they had taken the lead when Nqaba Xulu headed home. His effort was ruled out for offside, despite appearing to be level with the Sundowns defensive line.
Sundowns broke the deadlock in the 18th minute, with Tashreeq Matthews finishing off a well-worked team move after being set up by Ndlovu inside the box. However, the visitors’ lead was short-lived, as Lwandile Mabuya levelled matters moments later, reacting quickest to the rebound after Ronwen Williams made a save.
Cardoso’s troops continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession, creating several goal-mouth opportunities as they searched for a second goal. Richards Bay, however, remained dangerous on the counter, moving the ball forward quickly whenever they regained possession.
Rayners restored Sundowns’ lead in the 35th minute, rising highest to head home a well-delivered cross from the in-form Matthews. The Gauteng outfit was ahead as the game reached the interval.
Sundowns struck early in the second half, with Iqraam Rayners completing his brace after once again benefiting from Matthews’ assist. Although the assistant referee initially raised his flag for offside, referee Moreki Lekwape overruled the decision and pointed to the centre circle to award the goal.
Richards Bay made a few attempts to fight their way back into the contest, but found it difficult to gain momentum in the second half as Sundowns continued to dictate proceedings. The visitors then extended their lead to three goals, with Basadien tapping home after Teboho Mokoena delivered a clever chipped pass.
In the closing stages, Sundowns focused on managing the game, circulating possession effectively to frustrate their opponents. Richards Bay struggled to mount a comeback as the visitors comfortably saw out the contest to claim maximum points away from home.