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'Downs overpower Dube Birds

Pretoria - Mamelodi Sundowns resumed their Absa Premiership programme in 2015 with a convincing victory when they walloped Moroka Swallows 4-1 on Tuesday night at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

The win takes the Brazilians to position two on the log standings with 34 points, behind log leaders Kaizer Chiefs, while the Dube Birds remain at position 13.

Pitso Mosimane’s men started on fire as they probed for an opening goal and as early as the 12th minute they found the back of the net when a set-piece by Teko Modise whipped in from the right found captain Alje Schut, who headed beyond goalkeeper Greg Etafia.

After one minute of play, the Birds were caught napping at the back when Cuthbert Malajila converted Anthony Laffor’s cross from the edge of the box. He finished with ease, leaving Etafia helpless, to make it 2-0.

‘Downs dominated the proceedings in the middle of the park as they showed hunger going forward and in the 21st minute the Zimbabwean striker netted his brace to hand the reigning league champions a 3-0 lead.

A battle between Lantshene Phalane and Teko Modise in the heart of midfield resulted in a foul by Phalane. Modise took the set-piece and easily managed to beat Etafia from a long way, the Nigerian anticipated a bounce and Sundowns made it 4-0.

Towards the dying minutes of the first stanza, Swallows made strides in finding their way back into the game but they found it difficult to break Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Schut’s partnership at the back.

However, with one minute to go to the interval, Mzikayise Mashaba fouled substitute Felix Obada and Luyolo Nomandela converted from a spot kick to hand the Dube Birds their opening goal.

The beginning of the second half saw the Brazilians moving forward in search of more goals and Khama Billiat’s pass picked out Modise, however, his effort hit the upright.

In the 74th minute, substitute Hlompho Kekana tried his trademark thunderbolt but it was not his day as he volleyed wide. Nevertheless, the Brazilians were stubborn and Billiat’s pass found Kudakwachi Mahachi, but Etafia made a fine save.

Scorers:

Mamelodi Sundowns (4) 4 (Schut 12’, Malajila 13’, 21’ Modise 24’)
Moroka Swallows (1) 1 (Nomandela 44’)

Teams:

Mamelodi Sundowns: Onyango, Mashaba, S. Zwane, Mphahlele, Schut, Zungu, Laffor (Kekana 66’), Malajila (T. Zwane 75’), Mahachi, Modise (Mashego 84’), Billiat

Moroka Swallows: Etafia, Mungomeni (Sitayitayi 64’), Savic, Cohen, Mahoa, Mabalane, Sibande (Chabangu 59’), Baloyi, Phalane, Nomandela, Nomvethe (Obada 39’)

           
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