Mamelodi Sundowns ease to victory over 10-man Magesi

Mamelodi Sundowns returned to the top of the Betway Premiership table with Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Magesi FC in the only match from the league this weekend.

Rising talent Kutlwano Lethlaku put the hosts ahead at the Lucas Moripe Stadium before Iqraam Rayners’ second half brace confirmed a routine victory for Masandawana. An already difficult task to claim a point off the champions was made more difficult for Magesi when Samuel Mensah Darpoh was sent off for a second yellow card close to halftime.

Lethlaku opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after left back Aubrey Modiba’s cross went all the way across to the right back Thapelo Morena, whose return cross found the 19-year-old for a sliding finish.

The visitors did well to keep the match close but it was always a struggle to create danger for Ronwen Williams in the Sundowns goal. Rayners put the hosts beyond reach in the 66th minute after methodical buildup in the midfield ended with a lofted pass over the top to find Morena on the right wing, whose looping cross was volleyed in by the forward.

Modiba set up Rayners for the third in the 74th minute to finish the scoring. Sundowns are now a point clear of Sekhukhune United and Kaizer Chiefs, who face off on Tuesday with an opportunity to claim top spot when the league’s sixth round kicks off.

Sunday’s match marks the beginning of five matches in thirteen days for Sundowns. They next travel to face Marumo Gallants on Wednesday.

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