Mamelodi Sundowns secured a 2-0 win over SuperSport United in their opening 2024/25 league game in the Tshwane Derby on Tuesday evening at Loftus Versfeld.
In an opening half that flattered to deceive from both sides with a lack of clearcut chances, it was a rather disappointing display for the supporters who came out in their numbers.
However, it appeared SuperSport were prepared to contain the home side and frustrate them, having come into the tie with questionable form despite a 4-0 win over Mbabane Swallows in the CAF Champions League over the weekend.
But it took just 15 minutes into the second half before some inspiring substitutions Manqoba Mngqithi with Tashreeq Matthews, Aubrey Modiba and Themba Zwane coming on for Peter Shalulile, Lebogang Maboe and Marcelo Allende.
The attacking impetus immediately improved and it was no surprise to Iqraam Rayners net his first goal in his first league game for Sundowns, set up by Zwane.
Lucas Ribeiro Costa doubled the lead, assisted by another substitute Tashreeq Matthews which saw Sundowns take full control of the game for the final stages, but they were unable to add to the scoreline, but still moved top of the table.
