KWAMASHU - Mamelodi Sundowns avoided a third consecutive league match without a win on Wednesday night as they laboured in to a 1-0 victory against Lamontville Golden Arrows at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu in an Absa Premiership encounter.
Lebohang Maboe netted the winner for Sundowns in a highly contested fixture. The results ensured a successful trip for the Brazilian in KwaZulu-Natal as they collected four points from two matches. They shared the spoils with AmaZulu in six goal thriller at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi this past weekend before earning a victory over Arrows.
The victory was their second of the season in the league. Sundowns have endured barren run of results in the last couple of weeks, crashing out of the MTN8 and the Caf Champions League.
Both coaches, Clinton Larsen for Arrows and Sundowns's Pitso "Jingles" Mosimane rang in changes in their starting line ups. Larsen brought in young Siboniso Conco and Lerato Lamola while Mosimane also made two changes, resting Ali Menza and Wayne Arendse.
Danny Phiri made way for Conco and Lamola replaced Siphelele Magubane. For Sundowns, Motjeka Madisha returned in to the line up in place of Wayne Arendse and Sibusiso Vilakazi was preferred upfront instead of Meza.
Lack of communication between Riyaad Pieterse and Ricardo Nascimento almost led in to the opening goal for Abafana Bes'thende as Lerato Lamola intercepted a back pass but went down easily looking for the penalty.
There were about three shouts for a penalty from both teams in the first half but the referee Khulasande Qongqo didn't entertain those cries. Arrows dominated the early proceedings but poor decision making in the final first let them down. They sent a barrage of crosses in to the box to no avail.
It's all over from a rainy Princess Magogo Stadium, the Brazilians return home with all 3 points int he bag! #Sundowns #DownsLive #DownsArrows #AbsaPrem pic.twitter.com/AzBOvzTiPz
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) September 19, 2018
Lack of concentration hurt Abafana Bes'thende when they allowed Maboe to exploit the space that was offered to him, with the former Maritzburg United forward finished with aplomb to put his side in the lead going in to the interval.
Phakamani Mahlambi came close to doubling the lead for Sundowns as Vilakazi tormented the Arrows defence and then laid the ball in to the path of the new man but ballooned his shot over the bar. Mosimane closed shop by consolidating his midfield 62 minutes in to the match. He brought in Tiyani Mabunda for Mahlambi. Arrows are still winless at home this season after three matches.