/ 25 March 2012

Mushekwi brace downs Wits

A brace from Nyasha Mushekwi has helped Mamelodi Sundowns to a 2-0 victory over Wits in their Nedbank Cup last 16 match at Bidvest Stadium.

A brace from Nyasha Mushekwi helped Mamelodi Sundowns to a 2-0 victory over Wits in their Nedbank Cup last 16 match at Bidvest Stadium on Sunday.

A goal in either half saw the Brazilians coast to victory over Wits, the 2010 champions of the competition.

Sundowns throughout the encounter looked a stronger, fitter team and with the help of their legion of supporters, were too much for the Clever Boys to handle.

Earlier, the home side had started brightly with Asive Langwe going close to scoring in the fourth minute.

Langwe could not believe his luck as he found himself in space, and unmarked in the Sundowns box with just Wayne Sandilands to beat, but steered his shot wide.

In the first 10 minutes Wits were moving the ball well and into dangerous areas, but the Downs defence was quick to react, not allowing the hosts much time on the ball.

After Sundowns negotiated the initial Wits flurry, they started running the contest.

Sustained pressure
Following a sustained period of pressure by the Pretoria outfit, they were rewarded with the opening goal in the 19th minute.

Richard Henyekane made a bustling run down the left, and without a covering Wits defender nearby, was able to cross for Mushekwi, who made no mistake with a clinical finish to make it 1-0 to the visitors.

After the first half hour, Sundowns looked to be outclassing Wits as they were moving the ball much faster and running Wits players out of position with quick passing.

In the 52nd minute Henyekane found a menacing position just outside the box and reeled off a powerful shot but straight at Emile Baron in the Wits goal.

Henyekane produced a similar shot two minutes later inside the box but similar to the previous attempt, Baron had it covered.

In the 61st minute, Wits had one of their best chances to level the scores with a surging run from Bongolwethu Jayiya down the right.

Sandilands provided the last line of the defence, and managed to clear the ball just in time.

Sundowns always looked like scoring another, and a defensive lapse from Wits, allowed Mushekwi to drive home his second goal of the match after a goalmouth scuffle. — Sapa