Suspect on the bigger stage in Africa, but continuing to reign supreme in South Africa, current Premier Soccer League (PSL) and Supa8 champions Mamelodi Sundowns sauntered to a 3-0 victory over Golden Arrows in the opening game of the lucrative Telkom Knockout Cup at Loftus on Wednesday night.
Goals from the electrifying, but often erratic Lerato Chabangu in the 36th and 57th minutes virtually assured a victory for the Brazilians and Dillon Sheppard’s copybook strike in the 67th minute completed the scoring.
Adding to Arrows’ woes after beating Orlando Pirates over the weekend was the sending off of Kagisho Dikgacoi in the 75th minute, with the frustrated captain becoming incensed by the yellow-carding of teammate Norman Smith and directing words at the referee that prompted immediate action.
The breakthrough for Sundowns was achieved with the assistance of an almighty blunder in the Arrows’ defence, with Musa Bilankulu heading the ball out of the reach of goalkeeper Brendan Wardle — leaving Chabangu with little more to do than tap the ball into an empty net.
Chabangu’s second goal from a clinical pass by Godfrey Sapula was more exemplary and Sheppard’s effort was the most accomplished of the lot.
More solid than they have been during a succession of defeats this season against al-Ahly, SC Sfaxien and TP Mazembe, the Sundowns’ defence looked assured, with Calvin Marlin saving superbly on the few occasions he was tested. – Sapa