Coach Miguel Cardoso made several changes, keeping only Ronwen Williams from the previous match.
Mamelodi Sundowns earned a 2-0 victory over Magesi FC in a Betway Premiership match at the Seshego Stadium on Wednesday night.
Sundowns score late goals
Jayden Adams and Peter Shalulile found the net late in the game, leading the Brazilians to a win against Dikwena tsa Meetse.
With his goal, the Namibian striker matched Siyabonga Nomvethe’s PSL record of 129 goals. Since joining Masandawana in 2020, he has scored 102 goals, while the additional 27 were accrued during his time at Highlands Park.
Magesi was left a man down when Lehlohonolo Mtshali was sent off for a second yellow card with 11 minutes to go.
Although their performance was not without flaws, Sundowns managed to secure all three points as they prepare for the upcoming MTN8 semifinal second leg against Orlando Pirates on Saturday.
Keeping the upcoming match in mind, coach Miguel Cardoso made numerous adjustments against Magesi, with only Ronwen Williams retaining his place from the first leg against the Pirates.
Among the newcomers was 19-year-old Gomolemo Kekana, who made his senior debut after a standout year that included scoring the decisive goal for Amajita in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations final in May.
However, Kekana’s debut was cut short at half-time as he was substituted for Thapelo Maseko after receiving a yellow card in the first minute.
The initial hour of play lacked attacking intensity, with Sundowns struggling to assert themselves while Magesi created the better opportunities. Williams was called into action to maintain the scoreline, and Lehlogonolo Mokone nearly opened the scoring just before half-time, hitting the post with a header from a Mcedi Vandala cross.
Cardoso utilizes substitutes
In an effort to gain control, Cardoso looked to his bench around the hour mark, bringing on Marcelo Allende, Thapelo Morena, and Tashreeq Matthews in place of Sphelele Mkhulise, Bathusi Aubaas, and Siyabonga Mabena. The changes proved effective as Adams took advantage of a loose ball from a corner to score in the 73rd minute.
Shalulile sealed the victory with a well-placed shot in the 87th minute, ensuring the defending champions walked away with all three points. Magesi remains winless after three fixtures in the new Premiership season.
