Sundowns Thrash AmaZulu 5-2 To Move Level With Leaders Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns bounced back from their weekend MTN8 defeat with a convincing 5-2 victory over AmaZulu at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night.

The result extended Sundowns’ unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership and moved them to 10 points from four matches, level with league leaders Orlando Pirates. The Pretoria club also extended their home unbeaten run to 32 matches.

Brayan Leon and Teboho Mokoena gave Sundowns a two-goal advantage before half-time, while Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya twice reduced AmaZulu’s deficit after the break. Sundowns ultimately pulled clear through Tashreeq Matthews, a second goal from Leon and Bennet Mokoena.

Sundowns Establish Control Before Half-Time

Sundowns broke the deadlock midway through the first half when Leon reacted quickest after Cassius Mailula’s effort was deflected into his path. The forward met the ball with a volley that flew into the top corner.

Mokoena then marked his return from injury with an impressive free-kick. From outside the penalty area, he curled his effort beyond the goalkeeper and into the top corner to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.

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AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane made changes before and during half-time as his side sought a response.

The visitors found one soon after the restart. Ngwenya connected with Riaan Hanamub’s cross to pull a goal back.

Ngwenya has now scored in each of AmaZulu’s five matches this season across all competitions, with his second goal against Sundowns taking his total to seven.

Matthews And Leon Punish AmaZulu

Sundowns restored their two-goal advantage when AmaZulu goalkeeper Faveur Kouassi parried an effort into the path of Matthews. With the goal exposed, Matthews made no mistake from close range.

The hosts continued to create openings, with Matthews later hitting the upright.

Leon then completed his brace after a rebound fell favourably for Sundowns, restoring their three-goal advantage at 4-1.

AmaZulu again responded through Ngwenya in the 70th minute. The forward capitalised after Ronwen Williams had moved too far from his area, making it 4-2.

Sundowns nevertheless maintained control of the contest and added a fifth goal in the closing stages, with Bennet Mokoena completing the scoring.

Defensive Concerns Remain Ahead Of MTN8 Test

The emphatic victory gave Miguel Cardoso plenty to take from Sundowns’ attacking performance, while Mokoena’s return added another positive.

However, conceding twice to AmaZulu will also leave Sundowns with defensive issues to address.

Their next challenge comes in the MTN8 semi-final second leg against Golden Arrows on Sunday. Sundowns must overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg if they are to progress.