Mamelodi Sundowns showcased their resilience as they came from behind with 10 men to secure a 3-1 victory over Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday night. The match, played at the Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, saw the league leaders extend their dominance despite a first-half setback.
Marumo Gallants Strike First
The hosts took the lead in the 37th minute through Sede Dion, capitalising on a well-worked move to put pressure on Sundowns. Gallants held onto their lead until halftime, with Sundowns struggling to find a breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes.
Sundowns’ Second-Half Comeback
The second half saw a rejuvenated Sundowns side, determined to turn the game around. Marcelo Allende found the equaliser before Lucas Ribeiro put Masandawana in front with his 10th league goal of the season. Iqraam Rayners sealed the victory with a well-taken goal, ensuring Sundowns walked away with maximum points.
The drama continued late in the match when veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango was sent off in the 90th minute after receiving his second yellow card. His dismissal left Sundowns without a recognised goalkeeper, forcing Thapelo Morena to step in between the posts for the final minutes of the game.
Sundowns Continue to Dominate Head-to-Head Meetings
This encounter marked the third time the two sides met this season. Sundowns had already recorded a 4-1 league victory over Gallants in September 2024, followed by a 1-0 win in the Carling Knockout Cup semifinals. Wednesday’s result further cemented their dominance over Gallants this campaign.
Squad Rotation Pays Off for Sundowns
Coach Miguel Cardoso made 10 changes from the team that played in the Nedbank Cup Last 16, with Onyango the only survivor from the previous lineup. Key players such as Lucas Ribeiro, Peter Shalulile, and Marcelo Allende returned to the starting XI, making a significant impact on the match outcome.
Mamelodi Sundowns Bounce Back After Defeat
The win saw the Tshwane giants return to winning ways in the league after their recent 1-0 defeat against TS Galaxy. Sundowns remain at the top of the standings with 45 points from 17 matches, reaffirming their position as title favourites.
Gallants’ Struggles Continue
For Marumo Gallants, the defeat extended their winless run in the league to four matches. Their last league victory came in January against Cape Town City FC. They have now recorded one draw and three losses in their last four outings. Gallants remain in a precarious position, sitting 14th on the log with 15 points from 16 matches.
Onyango’s Suspension and Williams’ Injury Update
Onyango’s red card means he will miss Sundowns’ upcoming league fixture against TS Galaxy on Saturday, 22 February, at Lucas Moripe Stadium. However, coach Cardoso expressed optimism that first-choice goalkeeper Ronwen Williams would recover from a minor injury in time to feature.
Also Read: Mamelodi Sundowns Top Africa’s Transfer Spending in 2024 – Here’s How Much They Spent
Mamelodi Sundowns once again proved their championship credentials with a hard-fought win despite being reduced to 10 men. Their ability to bounce back and secure three points highlights their squad depth and tactical discipline. Meanwhile, Gallants will need to find solutions quickly to avoid getting dragged deeper into the relegation battle.
