Mamelodi Sundowns come from behind to exact revenge on Magesi FC

By SABC Sport
22nd January 2025

Mamelodi Sundowns extended their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership standings after coming back from a goal down to beat Magesi FC 2-1 at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Wonderboy Makhubu had given the home side an early lead but second half strikes by Lucas Ribeiro and Tashreeq Matthews gave Masandawana the victory which sees them move six points clear of Orlando Pirates, who have a game in hand.

Sundowns came into the contest seeking revenge after Magesi won the Carling Knockout Cup earlier in the season, but it did not start well for the defending league champions.

The hosts took the lead in the 12th minute when Tshepo Kakora picked up a loose ball on the left and whipped in an inch-perfect cross into the box that Makhubu could attack and the forward made no mistake with his header.

Magesi had opportunities to extend their lead but Deolin Mekoa shot wide while Makhubu was denied by goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who was standing in for the suspended Ronwen Williams.

Sundowns never created any real clear-cut chances at goal in the opening half with Teboho Mokoena and Ribeiro having efforts from long-range that were not successful.

Head coach Miguel Cardoso knew he needed a spark and made a double substitution at halftime, bringing on forwards Arthur Sales and Tashreeq Mathews to replace Sphelele Mkhulise and Iqraam Rayners.

Matthews almost made an immediate impact but the striker saw an effort saved by home keeper and captain Elvis Chipezeze.

Sundowns' pressure paid off just after the hour mark when a cross into the box was headed down into the path of Ribeiro, who produced a spectacular finish on the volley.

The champions were flexing their muscles and found the winner with four minutes of regulation time remaining when Matthews headed past Chipezeze.

Both teams finished the match with 10 men after Divine Lunga and Samuel Darpoh were shown red cards following a scuffle in injury-time.