Mamelodi Sundowns FC extended their lead at the top of the Premier Soccer League with a commanding 4-1 away victory over Richards Bay on Tuesday night at the Princess Magogo Stadium. The win, which featured goals from Tashreeq Matthews, a brace from Iqraam Rayners and a first club strike from Fawaaz Basadien, moves the Brazilians to 23 points from nine games, one point clear of Orlando Pirates in the standings.
Tashreeq Matthews opened the scoring powerfully in the 19th minute, finishing a move he started by laying the ball off to Siyanda Ndlovu before getting it back in the box. Richards Bay responded quickly, levelling three minutes later when Lwandile Mabuya chipped the ball over Ronwen Williams after the goalkeeper had saved an initial effort. Sundowns regained control before halftime, with Iqraam Rayners powering a header past Ian Otieno in the 37th minute following a cross from Matthews.
Rayners doubled his tally two minutes into the second half, pouncing on a rebound after Otieno saved from Matthews. The goal was initially flagged for offside but was allowed to stand after a consultation between the match officials. The points were sealed just before the hour mark when Teboho Mokoena picked out Fawaaz Basadien with a perfectly weighted pass, and the defender volleyed home his first goal for the club. "Basadien’s first touch resulted into a fine goal," the match report noted. "This was also the defender’s first goal in Brazilian colours."
Despite some late pressure from the hosts, including a free-kick that Ronwen Williams tipped away, Sundowns managed the game comfortably from the bench. The victory continues an impressive run of form, with the team now unbeaten in their last five league matches. The result also maintains Sundowns' perfect away record this season, having won all five of their matches on the road. Matthews, who now has three goals this season, said the team was focused on picking up all available points to maintain their position. Coach Rulani Mokwena praised the team's mentality and ability to control the game after the early setback. The team's next challenge is to prepare for their upcoming fixtures while managing a busy schedule.
The report in full is at sundownsfc.co.za
