Mamelodi Sundowns vs Cape Town City
Mamelodi Sundowns’ aspirations of an undefeated DStv Premiership season were dashed following a 1-0 defeat to Cape Town City at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. This loss marks a significant turn of events, as it is the first time the Brazilians have faced defeat in the league since September 2022.
Managed by the astute Eric Tinkler, Cape Town City ended their season on a commendable note, vaulting past SuperSport United and TS Galaxy to secure fifth place. This victory not only enhanced their league position but also brought a satisfying conclusion to their campaign with a second successive win.
For Sundowns, it was their 57th match of a strenuous season, which saw them reach the finals of the MTN 8 and the African Football League, and the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League. Despite this setback, the team still has another shot at silverware in the imminent Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates.
The match saw City seize the opportunity to thwart Sundowns’ quest for an unbeaten run, recording the Brazilians’ first league defeat in 54 top-flight matches.
The hosts started with ambition, creating a near-miss in the 7th minute with Mosa Lebusa’s header from a free-kick, forcing a save from City’s stalwart Darren Keet. Another promising moment came in the 17th minute, but Tashreeq Matthews couldn’t guide Lebohang Maboe’s cross goalwards. Similarly, Maboe’s volley from the edge of the box soared over the bar at the 28-minute mark, sending the teams into halftime at a goalless stalemate.
The second half saw more probing from Sundowns, but Keet remained resolute, notably thwarting Siyabonga Mabena’s shot in the 50th minute. The match turned on its head in the 61st minute when Cape Town City’s Jaedin Rhodes capitalised on a defensive error from Mothobi Mvala, calmly slotting the ball past Ronwen Williams to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
In response, Sundowns intensified their offensive efforts. Teboho Mokoena forced another fine save from Keet with a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area in the 64th minute. The closing stages were tense, with Keet again coming to City’s rescue, denying Neo Maema at close range after a deft piece of control inside the box.
Despite sustained pressure, Cape Town City’s defence stood firm, ensuring they left Loftus Versfeld with an historic win, becoming the first team this season to defeat the newly-crowned champions.
Match Summary:
- Mamelodi Sundowns 0-1 Cape Town City
- Goal: Jaedin Rhodes (61′)
Line-ups:
- Mamelodi Sundowns:
- R. Williams, R. Coetzee, B. Zungu (N. Maema 78’), M. Mvala (J. Mendieta 67’), K. Mudau, T. Zwane, L. Maboe (M. Esquivel 57’), M. Lebusa, T. Matthews (T. Mokoena 57’), S. Mabena, T. Morena (L. Ribeiro 67’).
- Cape Town City:
- D. Keet, P. Fisher, L. Gordinho, K. Cupido, L. Slatsha, T. Leshabela (R. Mokhuoane 32’), D. Gonzalez, T. Nyama, J. Rhodes (R. Tshimanga 89’), H. Sereetsi (L. Daniels 88’), K. Mayo (J. Ah Shene 61’).
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