Reigning Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns resumed their winning ways when they beat visiting Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers 2-0 in a preseason friendly played at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Sundowns revelled in the traditional cricket venue with its smooth and well-manicured turf as they spread the ball around with great ease controlling much of the possession throughout the encounter.
The hosts scored two goals — one in each in half — with Surprise Moriri converting a penalty in the 21st minute while William Correa put the ball in the net one minute after the interval.
It was an unexpected win for Sundowns, considering the scoreline was in fact a true reflection of the match, while it was a bitter end to the Rangers safari tour that saw them only win one match — against Jomo Cosmos 2-0 on Friday evening in Bloemfontein.
Rangers did come close on a few occasions but there was nothing of significance to make Sundowns goalkeeper Calvin Marlin uncomfortable.
Rangers never found their form as they were made to toil all afternoon by an impressive looking Sundowns outfit.
Sundowns coaches Miguel Gamondi and Neil Tovey will be satisfied at how their midfield were able to dictate proceedings with the defence holding firm, while strikers Sandile Ndlovu and Jose Torrealba looked impressive.
Sundowns can only build on this victory as they head off to Italy for their preseason tour on Tuesday.
For Rangers’ new coach Paul Le Guen, it was a worthwhile trip as he attempts to find the right combination in a bid to better their third-place standing in the Scottish league. – Sapa