Bafana Bafana international striker Iqraam Rayners inspired his team Mamelodi Sundowns to a 2-0 win over SuperSport United on Tuesday night in the Premier Soccer League's Tshwane Derby staged at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
The Swanky Boys have not been involved in competitive action since the elimination from the MTN8 against the defending champions Orlando Pirates on August 3.
After the elimination from the MTN8 as well by Stellenbosch, Masandawana responded in style on Saturday with a 4-0 win over Mbabane Swallows in the first leg of the Caf Champions League's second preliminary round.
Goalless first half
The Brazilians came into the match without their new South American Arthur Sales who was injured last weekend. Lesiba Nku, Neo Maema, and Terrence Mashego were the other players ruled out of the fixture.
A good start from the hosts saw Rayners, who was making his PSL debut for Downs, feed Lucas Ribeiro in the danger zone, only for the latter to be denied by a decent block. In the 10th minute, Namibia international Peter Shalulie saw his shot narrowly miss the target.
Goalkeeper Iqraam Rayners had to be at his best to put out a stinging Ribeiro's on-target effort from outside the danger zone.
Sundowns struggled to create chances as players were not coordinating effectively, especially in the final third. The supporters had nothing to celebrate, in terms of goals, after the first 45 minutes.
Rayners shows class, and Zwane makes a statement
The defending champions were a better team on the pitch but they just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net.
They eventually found a way in the 62nd minute. Substitute Themba Zwane managed to find Rayners inside the 12-yard area. The 28-year-old held his nerves to give Masandawana a deserved lead and open his account for the Mngqithi-led team.
Three minutes later, a good ball in the danger zone fell on Lucas Ribeiro whose left-footed effort was too much for goalkeeper Ricardo Goss. It could have been more but the hosts missed several chances while the defenders and goalkeeper did their job as well.
The win has already taken Masandawana top of the PSL table owing to their superior goal difference. Polokwane City, Kaizer Chiefs, and Richards Bay are the other teams that have collected maximum points from matchday one.
