Sundowns edge Sekhukhune in opening-day thriller

Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a hard fought 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United in their opening DStv Premiership encounter at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday night, as both teams ended the game with 10 men on the pitch.

Goals from Peter Shalulile and Lucas Costa was enough for Downs to bag maximum points on away soil, despite Jamie Webber pulling one back for his side at the hour mark.

In two standout talking points of the game, Vusimusi Mncube and Rivaldo Coetzee were sent off for early showers during the match.

?? 1 stunning free-kick?? 2 Red cards? 3 goalsThe first match of the 2023/2024 #DStvPrem season delivers an entertaining clash in Polokwane.?? Stream the post-match wrap live: https://t.co/TesYUfo62x pic.twitter.com/NPEFcETfJc — SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) August 4, 2023

Sundowns enjoyed most of the ball during the early exchanges of the match and took the patient approach in their build-up play. With Sekhukhune on the back foot, the Brazilians slowly began applying in wide areas of the pitch.

The reigning champions were then awarded a penalty in the 10th minute of the match, after Edwin Gyimah was spotted handling the ball inside the box.

In stepping up to the spot, Peter Shalulile sent goalkeeper Bangare Sangare the wrong way and gave his side the lead.

In a major talking point of the match, Vusimusi Mncube received his marching orders in the 16th minute after the referee spotted a studs-up challenge on Aubrey Modiba on the edge of the Downs area.

Sundowns continued to boss the possession count as the match progressed while Sekhukhune provided little threat going forward.

As the half came to a close, Downs searched for the second goal but were met by aggressive defending by the home team.

WEBBER PULLS ONE