Mamelodi Sundowns moved top of the Betway Premiership standings after thumping Marumo Gallants 4-1 in a one-sided affair at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Gallants had the earlier chance as early as the fourth minute with Phathutshedzo Nange completely missing the target.
Tashreeq Matthews capitalized on a loose ball to tap in from close range in the ninth minute. 1-0 Sundowns.
In the 20th minute, Marcello Allende skied his shot after being teep up by Aubrey Modiba.
Sundowns then doubled their lead in the 34th minute through Iqraam Rayners, hitting the roof of the net from Matthews’ low cross at the far post.
The Brazilians continued their dominance and were 3-0 to the good via Lucas Ribeiro in the 47th minute.
Allende missed yet another sitter, this time in the 56th minute, after a superb assist by Ribeiro, as he shot straight at Daniel Akpeyi.
Daniel Msendami pulled clear off the Sundowns defence in the 61st minute but Ronwen Williams rushed off his line to pull off a superb stop.
Sphelele Mkhulise unleashed a thunderous shot from 30 yards out in the 68th minute but Akpeyi dived low to make a save, before the Nigerian was hauled off for a facial injury.
Substitute goalkeeper Nicholas Mlambo gifted Sundowns their fourth goal after being dispossessed before Mkhulise capitalized on a loose ball to tap into an empty net.
A last-ditch effort by Gallants to get an equalizer was thwarted as Williams saved Gabadinho Mhango’s penalty in the 86th minute, before the Malawian made up for his miss tapping in at the far post to pull one back. 4-1.
Manqoba Mngqithi’s charges leapfrogged Orlando Pirates to take control of top spot after the Buccaneers cruised past Polokwane City with a 3-0 thrashing in the earlier afternoon kick off.
