Harambee Stars defender Mandela features in Sundowns win over Kaizer Chiefs

Harambee Stars defender Brian Mandela made a second half appearance as Mamelodi Sundowns triumphed over Kaizer Chiefs with a 2-1 victory at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.

Mandela’s future has been full of speculation due to the reported expiry of his contract. Though the club has not announced any extension, he was brought in the 77th minute as his club picked maximum points.

Mandela’s Sundowns unbeaten

Continuing their impressive start to the league, Mamelodi Sundowns secured their second consecutive win as Neo Maema’s last-minute strike sealed a dramatic triumph at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday.

Right from the outset, the Brazilians established control, dictating the tempo in the opposition’s half as Kaizer Chiefs opted for a defensive strategy.

Thapelo Maseko, a new addition to Masandawana, caught the eye in the first half, engaging in an enthralling duel with Reeve Frosler, the opposing fullback, down the left flank. Their exchanges injected dynamism into the stadium atmosphere. Maseko’s characteristic cutback from the byline found Peter Shalulile, unmarked, but the Namibian’s effort was thwarted by the vigilant Chiefs defender.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ persistent pressing yielded fruit around the 20-minute mark. Midfielder Themba Zwane capitalized on an error by Edson Castillo, intercepting a loose pass and setting up Shalulile inside the box. Shalulile unselfishly laid the ball for Lucas Ribeiro, who calmly netted his second goal in as many games.

A special thank you to all of our supporters for painting Tshwane Yellow and cheering us to victory! 👆💛#Sundowns #DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/FsNqPZaoSK

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 10, 2023

The remainder of the first half witnessed Bafana Ba Style striving to extend their lead. Opportunities fell to Mosa Lebusa and Ribeiro, yet they failed to capitalize, and the first half concluded with Sundowns in the lead.

The second half commenced with an early chance for the home side. Lucas Ribeiro delivered a delightful cross across the goal to Shalulile, but the striker struggled to find his footing, and the opportunity went begging.

The challenge of finding the net persisted for the yellow-clad team throughout the second half. Striker Shalulile encountered Brandon Petersen twice, with the goalkeeper standing firm to deny the Namibian’s attempts.

Thapelo Maseko endured two missed opportunities, first sending a rebounded effort wide after a Petersen save, and then having a right-footed shot saved by the vigilant Amakhosi shot-stopper.

Brian Mandela introduction

Coach Rulani and his technical team sought to infuse renewed energy into the squad by introducing Neo Maema, Sipho Mbule, and Mandela midway through the second half.

With only six minutes remaining, the visiting side managed to pull one back through Ashley Du Preez’s goal on a swift counterattack, eluding Ronwen Williams, who had seen minimal action in goal.

As the regulation time neared its conclusion, the Brazilians launched a final assault on the goal, and it proved decisive. Substitute Neo Maema volleyed the ball into the net, securing the winning goal in the dying moments of the match, igniting euphoria among the packed crowd at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Bongani Zungu and Aubrey Modiba were introduced during injury time to aid Sundowns in securing the result and notching their second win of the season. The Brazilians will now shift their focus to prepare for the upcoming MTN8 encounter against Steve Komphela’s Moroka Swallows side this weekend.