Mamelodi Sundowns Sweep Past Sibanye Golden Stars with a 5-2 Win in the Nedbank Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns delivered a commanding performance to defeat Sibanye Golden Stars 5-2 in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32. The match, held at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, showcased the reigning Betway Premiership champions’ attacking brilliance and tactical dominance. Despite Sibanye Golden Stars’ spirited effort, Sundowns’ superior quality ensured a resounding victory and progression to the next round.

First Half: Sundowns Dominate Early

Sundowns wasted no time in asserting control. Malibongwe Prince Khoza opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, capitalizing on Sibanye’s defensive lapse to give the home side an early lead. The goal set the tone for the first half, with Sundowns dictating play through their hallmark possession-based game.

Tashreeq Matthews emerged as the standout performer of the opening half. His first goal in the 15th minute was a result of quick link-up play, followed by a calm finish. He doubled his tally just before halftime in the 41st minute, expertly finishing a well-orchestrated attacking move. By halftime, Sundowns had raced to a 3-0 lead, leaving Sibanye with an uphill task.

Second Half: Sibanye Golden Stars Fight Back

Sibanye Golden Stars came out in the second half determined to make an impression. Their efforts were rewarded in the 54th minute when they scored their first goal, taking advantage of a rare defensive lapse from Sundowns. Buoyed by the momentum, they found the net again in the 61st minute, closing the gap to 3-2 and briefly unsettling the Sundowns backline.

However, Sundowns’ composure and depth proved decisive. Arthur de Oliveira Sales restored Sundowns’ two-goal advantage with a well-taken strike in the 69th minute, dampening Sibanye’s resurgence. The final blow came in stoppage time (90+5’) when substitute Kobamelo Kodisang scored a fifth goal to seal a dominant victory for the hosts.

Key Stats and Tactical Overview

Possession and Passing

Mamelodi Sundowns’ tactical approach centered on complete control of the ball. They dominated possession with a staggering 82%, completing 671 passes at an impressive 90% accuracy. This allowed them to dictate the tempo and continuously create chances.

In stark contrast, Sibanye Golden Stars managed only 18% possession and completed 147 passes at 60% accuracy, struggling to break Sundowns’ press and maintain possession for extended periods.

Shots and Attacking Efficiency

Sundowns’ attacking play was clinical and relentless:

• Shots: Sundowns had 14 attempts, with 7 on target, reflecting their ability to create meaningful opportunities.
• Sibanye’s Attacks: The visitors managed only 2 shots, both of which resulted in goals, highlighting their efficiency despite limited chances.

Set Pieces and Corners

The hosts earned 9 corners compared to Sibanye’s 0, emphasizing Sundowns’ territorial dominance and sustained pressure in the attacking third.

Discipline and Fouls

The match was fairly physical, with Sundowns committing 10 fouls to Sibanye’s 7. Sibanye’s discipline faltered late in the game when Bathusi Aubaas received a red card in the 76th minute, effectively ending their hopes of a comeback.

Player Performances

Mamelodi Sundowns

• Tashreeq Matthews: The star of the match with two goals, Matthews’ movement and finishing were exemplary. His ability to exploit defensive gaps was crucial in the first half.
• Arthur de Oliveira Sales: Sales played a pivotal role, scoring Sundowns’ fourth goal and providing creativity in the attacking phase.
• Kobamelo Kodisang: Kodisang’s impact off the bench was remarkable, capping off the game with a late goal that showcased his sharpness.

Sibanye Golden Stars

• Despite being outplayed for much of the match, Sibanye showed heart. Their two goals came from quick counterattacks, and their effort to close the gap to 3-2 in the second half was commendable. However, their defensive vulnerabilities and lack of ball retention ultimately cost them.

Tactical Masterclass by Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns’ tactical flexibility was on full display. Their use of overlapping fullbacks and quick interchanges in midfield allowed them to bypass Sibanye’s defense with ease. The high press forced errors and limited Sibanye’s ability to build from the back. Coach’s substitutions added fresh legs and kept the intensity high, ensuring that the visitors were unable to mount a sustained comeback.

On the other hand, Sibanye Golden Stars showed promise in their counterattacking play but were ultimately undone by Sundowns’ superior technical and tactical execution.

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