Sekhukhune United 1-2 Mamelodi Sundowns: Brazilians got of new season with slim victory as summer signing Lucas Ribeiro scores debut goal
South African League new season yielded narrow win for visitors Mamelodi Sundowns but the opening day was characterized by two separate red cards as Vusimuzi Mncube and Rivaldo Coetzee exits were among the key headlines from Friday’ opener.
Mamelodi Sundown begin their 2023-2024 Dstv Premiership journey with a slim 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United on Friday evening.
The home side welcomed the champions to the opener of Premier Soccer League new season with Friday’s game taking place at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Sundowns dominated proceedings and got in front after 12 minutes with Peter Shalulile converting from the spot. Sekhukhune United were reduced to 10 men four minutes after Shalulile’s strike. Vusimuzi Mncube was sent off.
Summer signing Lucas Ribeiro Costa made his debut for Mamelodi Sundowns operating from the right side of attack and grabbed his debut goal when it was 57′ minute on the clock. Four minutes later, Jemie Webber pulled one back for the hosts. They increased the pressure for the equalizer right away but Sundowns were resilient at the back.
Ghanaian International Edwin Gyimah featured for Sekhukhune United. Sundowns appealed a penalty along but Themba Zwame appeared to have fallen so easily in between two Sekhukhune United defenders.
Sundowns were also reduced to 10 men in stoppage time after Rivaldo Coetzee’s double foot challenge on opponent was booked red card.
Sundowns escaped last-minute pressure to hold onto their 2-1 victory at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
