Betway Premiership
By Sello Masilo
In a compelling display of resilience, Mamelodi Sundowns overcame a first-half deficit to secure a 3-1 victory against Marumo Gallants at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday, 19 February 2025. This win amplifies their dominance in the Betway Premiership, extending their lead to 12 points over second-placed Orlando Pirates.
First-Half Challenges
The match commenced with Sundowns asserting early pressure. Teboho Mokoena narrowly missed the target in the second minute, and shortly after, Iqraam Rayners’ header sailed over the crossbar. Despite these efforts, it was Marumo Gallants who broke the deadlock in the 37th minute. Sede Dion capitalized on a precise cross from Daniel Msendami, heading the ball past Denis Onyango to register his first goal of the season. This setback saw Sundowns trailing 1-0 at halftime.
Second-Half Resurgence
Determined to overturn the deficit, Sundowns initiated the second half with renewed vigor. Their persistence paid off in the 51st minute when Marcelo Allende, receiving a well-placed pass from Rayners, expertly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, leveling the score.
The momentum remained with the visitors as they continued to press forward. In the 79th minute, Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro showcased his finesse by controlling a cross from compatriot Arthur Sales and delivering a brilliant finish to put Sundowns ahead. Merely two minutes later, Rayners solidified the lead. Although his initial attempt was parried by Washington Arubi, Rayners swiftly netted the rebound, bringing the scoreline to 3-1.
Late Drama
The closing moments of the match were not without incident. Denis Onyango received two yellow cards in quick succession, leading to his dismissal in the final minute. Despite being reduced to ten men, Sundowns maintained their composure to see out the match.
Implications for the Standings
This victory reinforces Mamelodi Sundowns’ position at the summit of the Betway Premiership, now boasting 45 points from 17 matches. Their closest rivals, Orlando Pirates, remain 12 points adrift, especially after their fixture against Golden Arrows was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. Conversely, Marumo Gallants find themselves in a precarious position, languishing in 14th place with 15 points, and facing the threat of relegation after enduring their third consecutive defeat.
Post-Match Reflections
Reflecting on the match, Sundowns’ head coach, Miguel Cardoso, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance:
“The boys showcased immense character today. Overcoming a goal deficit and securing a win on the road speaks volumes about their determination and quality.”On the other hand, Marumo Gallants’ coach, Dan Malesela, acknowledged the challenges ahead:
“It’s a tough loss, especially after leading at halftime. We need to regroup and address our shortcomings to turn our season around.”Looking Ahead
Mamelodi Sundowns will aim to maintain their winning momentum as they prepare to face TS Galaxy in their next league encounter. Meanwhile, Marumo Gallants face a crucial fixture against Polokwane City, where they will strive to halt their losing streak and climb out of the relegation zone.
Match Statistics
• Possession: Marumo Gallants 31.9% – 68.1% Mamelodi Sundowns
• Shots on Goal: Marumo Gallants 3 – 9 Mamelodi Sundowns
• Total Shot Attempts: Marumo Gallants 11 – 17 Mamelodi Sundowns
• Yellow Cards: Marumo Gallants 4 – 2 Mamelodi Sundowns
• Corner Kicks: Marumo Gallants 0 – 6 Mamelodi Sundowns
• Saves: Marumo Gallants 6 – 2 Mamelodi Sundowns
Social Media Reactions
The match garnered significant attention on social media platforms. Mamelodi Sundowns’ official Instagram account celebrated the comeback victory, stating:
“Massive 3 points on the road after trailing at the break! Marumo Gallants 1️⃣➖3️⃣ Mamelodi Sundowns” Fans also shared their perspectives, with one user on X (formerly Twitter) commenting:
“Marumo Gallants is the most useless club after Mamelodi Sundowns soo poor.”
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