Marumo Gallants picked up their first DStv Premiership win in eight games this weekend, after recording a 2-0 victory against Sekhukhune United at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday night.
Gallants got the game off on a positive note and looked lively during the first five minutes of the encounter. The home team took the game to Sekhukhune United, who were forced to sit back in defence.
The game was brought to a brief halt before the 10th minute, as loadshedding commenced in Rustenberg. However, Gallants remained undeterred and continued their attacking momentum soon after the restart.
Gallants carved out a couple of goal scoring opportunities before the 20th minute mark but were let down by poor finishing inside the Babina Noko penalty area.
As the half-hour approached, Sekhukhune attempted to get into the game via build-up play from the back; however, Gallants rushed numbers forward and pressed high up the pitch. Up against play, Babina Noko thus struggled to progress the ball beyond their quarters.
Gallant’s pressure paid off soon thereafter, as Lucky Mohomi’s effort found the back of the net in the 31st minute. Sekhukhune gave the ball away on numerous occasions, particularly in midfield as Brandon Truter’s charges battled to find their feet during the first half.
Marumo immediately assumed control of the ball as the second-half commenced and actively searched for a second goal. Babina Noko were reduced to defending their penalty area, while Gallants began threading passes together.
Gallants doubled their advantage shortly before the hour mark, as Letsie Koapeng's thunderbolt strike from the edge of the Sekhukhune box left Sangare rooted to the spot.
Babina Noko kicked into a different gear with around 10 minutes left on the clock and began carving out opportunities in the opposition half. Truter’s side began dominating play during the closing stages of the game as Gallants kicked into game management mode.
However it was not to be for the travelling side, as Gallants bagged maximum points in a 2-0 win on the night.
Marumo Gallants (1) 2 (Mohomi 31’, Letsie 59’)
Sekhukhune United 0
Gallants: Watenga, Mabotja, Nonyane, Toure, Mvalase, Mohomi, Ngema, Soumaro (Makudubela 63’), Koapeng (Sibeko 83’), Nku (Mphambaniso 83’), Chivaviro
Sekhukhune: Sangare, Ntiya-Ntiya (Mahlangu 73’), Gyimah, Cardoso, Mobbie, Mntambo (Mosiatlhaga 57’), Mashikinya, Mokwana (Madonsela 57’), Mncube, Mokotjo (Seabi 45’), Ohizu (Morris 57’)
SuperSport defeat City to break winless run, claim second spot
Football04 February 2023 20:35| © Backpage TXT
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SuperSport United claimed a 2-0 win over Cape Town City in a DStv Premiership clash at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening.
The result, secured by a first-half strike from Thapelo Maseko and a bizarre, late own goal, saw Matsatsantsa break a four-match winless streak in the league and rise to second place on the standings – 23 points off the pace of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns (who have played two more games than the chasing pack).
As for the Citizens, this is a second straight defeat after last week’s reverse at the hands of Cape rivals Stellenbosch and leaves them in 10th spot, nine points short of SuperSport’s tally.
The first clear chance of the match went the way of City in the sixth minute, with Thamsanqa Mkhize providing a low cross from the right to pick out the run of Taahir Goedeman, but the midfielder blazed his shot high and wide.
Eight minutes later the visitors threatened again, this time via Bertrand Mani, who ran onto a through ball from midfield and shot from the left of the penalty area, but saw his effort smothered by Ricardo Goss.
City appeared well set in the match, but found themselves going behind on 18 minutes. An attempt to play out from the back saw United’s Bradley Grobler steal possession and spark a move which ended with Thapelo Maseko thrashing a left-footed shot beyond the reach of Darren Keet for 1-0.
City searched for a way back into the game in what remained of the first half, but it was SuperSport who should have added to their advantage shortly before the break, with Zakhele Lepasa missing from a dangerous cross whipped in by Grant Margeman.
A goal down at the break, the Cape side looked to shuffle their pack in attack by withdrawing Mani and replacing him with Juan Zapata at the start of the second half.
Yet chances were hard to come by for the Citizens, who struggled to find space in SuperSport’s half of the field, with the hosts well organised and disciplined in their defensive duties.
One of the only occasions when Matsatsantsa’s defence was lacking came as late as the 86th minute, as City substitute Kajally Drammeh was allowed to power forward and shoot from the edge of the box, but he skewed his effort wide.
The game was settled early in injury time when City goalkeeper Keet was caught out of position, having come forward for a corner kick – Ghampani Lungu powered forward and sent a low shot from long range toward the open goal.
Darwin Gonzalez charged back and attempted to clear the effort, who appeared to be travelling just wide, but his awkward action only directed the ball onto the post and into the back of the net to make it 2-0 to United.
SuperSport United secured their 2-0 #DStvPrem win over Cape Town with one of the strangest goals you'll see all season ?? pic.twitter.com/AaGRu2MyX3— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) February 4, 2023
The teams will next be in Nedbank Cup Last 32 action, with SuperSport at home to Dondol Stars on Wednesday 8 February, while City will host Royal AM on Sunday 12 February.
SuperSport United (1) 2 (Maseko 18’, Gonzalez og 90+2’)
Cape Town City 0
SuperSport: Goss, Nhlapo, Johannes, Ditlhokwe, Bhasera, Webber (Lungu 75’), Ndlovu, Margeman, Maseko (Kewuti 82’), Lepasa (Maswanganyi 70’), Grobler (Niang 75’)
City: Keet, Mkhize, Gordinho, Fielies, Lakay, Mokeke (Mohuoane 66’), Goedeman (Rhodes 73’), Mdantsane (Drammeh 83’), Mayo, Gonzalez, Mani (Zapata 46’)
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