Premier Soccer League defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns extended Marumo Gallants' early struggles in the top tier with a 3-0 win on Tuesday night at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa had lost their initial two games 2-1 and 2-0 against Kaizer Chiefs and Polokwane City respectively, and had to get a positive result against the holders.
Masandawana started their league campaign with a 2-0 win over SuperSport United in the Tshwane Derby. After a poor start that led to their elimination from the MTN8, the Brazilians managed to score 10 goals in their last three outings across all competitions, meaning they were riding high in confidence.
Matthews and Rayners initiate the first half dance
Masandawana looked composed and stronger from the first whistle, as Gallants took time to settle, understandably, after their poor start to the season.
The visitors were punished after nine minutes when the defenders failed to clear a dangerous ball from the right. The weak interception ended with the ball falling kindly on the path of Tashreeq Matthews who needed a one-touch to give his team a deserved lead.
In the 35th minute, the advantage was doubled; Lucas Ribeiro did exceptionally well to hold his markers before passing the ball to the advancing Matthews. The 24-year-old saw Iqraam Rayners unmarked and delivered a low cross that was beautifully converted by the former Stellenbosch striker to send his team to the break with a two-goal lead.
Ribeiro on the scoresheet as comical goalkeeping costs Gallants
Masandawana needed just three minutes after the pause to get their third goal. The red-hot Matthews managed to find Ribeiro, and the Brazilians completed the job to make it 3-0.
Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi was forced off with an injury in the 69th minute. His replacement Nicholas Mlambo tried to be clever with a backpass two minutes later and was dispossessed, with Sphelele Mkhulise taking full advantage of the gift to make it 4-0.
In the 84th minute, Ronwen Williams was pushed to a brilliant save by Gabadinho Mhango whose effort was destined to reduce the deficit.
A minute later, a clumsy challenge by Zuko Mdunyelwa on Monde Mphambaniso gave Mhango a chance to convert from 12 yards, but the Malawi international directed his spot-kick straight at Williams.
The 31-year-old former Orlando Pirates striker finally made up for his mistake in the 88th minute when he converted a cross from Daniel Msendami on the right wing to score Gallants' second goal in three league matches and make it 4-1.
Coach Dan ‘Dance' Malesela has to get a solution fast to ensure his team gets a positive result in the next outing.
