A Gaston Sirino-inspired Mamelodi Sundowns topped off their season with a 3-2 win over Royal AM despite missing as many as 17 players on Monday afternoon.
Masandawana confirmed ahead of the match that the squad had suffered a flu outbreak, which led to four changes in their starting line-up in comparison to the match that was abandoned in the 24th minute due to heavy rain on Saturday.
Reyaad Pieterse, Aubrey Modiba, Andile Jali and Themba Zwane all dropped out of the line-up after the club’s flu outbreak, with Kennedy Mweene, Lyle Lakay, Sphelele Mkhulise and Gaston Sirino coming in.
It was the latter who opened the score-line with a sublime finish in the 12th minute, putting a long ball from Mkhulise past Royal AM goalkeeper Patrick Nyame.
What an incredible finish by Sirino! 🔥🔥🔥
🎥 @SuperSportTV pic.twitter.com/Wl2kY5MW4D
— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) May 23, 2022
‘Thwili Thwala’ had started the half well but after Sundowns opener they went a little defensive and highlights were rare in the first 45 minutes.
Thabiso Kutumela made it 2-0 just after the break, placing his shot from the edge of the box near the far post after being set up by Sirino.
Neo Maema almost made it 3-0 but his shot from close range only hit the post. However, a minute later Peter Shalulile got his name on the scoresheet, when Teboho Mokoena set him up following him a fine counter to score his 23rd goal of the season.
Kennedy Mweene then turned into the main protagonist on the other side of the pitch, saving a spot-kick from Victor Letsoalo.
In the 69th minute, though, Letsoalo did put his name on the scoresheet after converting a fine assist by Tebogo Potsane.
Shaune Mogaila sent the stadium into eruptions after scoring from close range following a corner to make it 3-2 with 14 minutes left to play.
However, despite their inspired second half, the hosts ended up a goal short in the five-goal thriller against the 2021/22 DStv Premiership champions.
The win sees Sundowns finish the campaign on 65 points, while Royal AM stayed on 46 points, and now need to win their outstanding game against Orlando Pirates, if they want to finish the season in second place.
