Pro football Plus

Mamelodi Sundowns started the new DStv Premiership season with a 2-1 victory away to Sekhukhune United on Saturday evening.

The Brazilians were reduced to ten men in the first half after Vusimuzi Mncube was sent off for a reckless challenge, but they managed to hold on for the win thanks to goals from Peter Shalulile and Lucas Ribeiro Costa.

Sundowns started the match brightly and took the lead in the 10th minute when Shalulile converted a penalty after Edwin Gyimah handled in the box.

The visitors’ advantage was doubled in the 15th minute when Ribeiro Costa scored his first goal for the club, latching onto a pass from Thapelo Maseko and firing past Badra Ali Sangare.

Sekhukhune pulled a goal back in the 65th minute through Jamie Webber, but they were unable to find an equaliser as Sundowns held on for the win.

It was a good start to the season for Sundowns, who will be looking to defend their title this year. They showed their resilience by winning the match despite being reduced to ten men, and they will be confident of challenging for the title once again.

Analysis

Sundowns were the better team on the day and deserved their victory. They created more chances and had the better players on the pitch. Shalulile was particularly impressive, scoring his 100th goal for the club in the process.

Sekhukhune were competitive for large parts of the match, but they were ultimately undone by their own mistakes. They gave away the penalty that led to Sundowns’ first goal, and they were also reduced to ten men in the first half.

The win was a good start to the season for Sundowns, but they will need to improve if they want to defend their title. They were sloppy in possession at times, and they will need to be more clinical in front of goal if they want to be successful this year.

Key Takeaways

• Sundowns started the season with a win, but they will need to improve if they want to defend their title.
• Shalulile was impressive, scoring his 100th goal for the club.
• Sekhukhune were competitive for large parts of the match, but they were undone by their own mistakes.
• The win was a good start for Sundowns, but they will need to be more clinical in front of goal if they want to be successful this year.