Peter Shalulile equalled Siyabonga Nomvethe’s all-time record during Mamelodi Sundowns’ 2-0 win over Magesi FC in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday evening at the Seshego Stadium.
Masandawana, fielding a heavily rotated squad from their MTN8 semi-final clash against Orlando Pirates, started with Ronwen Williams in goal as the only survivor from that encounter.
The home side, Magesi FC, showed early intent and had the better of the first-half chances. Delano Abrahams and Thabang Sibanyoni both tested Williams within the opening ten minutes, while Wonderboy Makhubu and Lehlogonolo Mokone were denied by the crossbar late in the half, keeping the scoreline level at the break.
Sundowns found it difficult to break through Magesi’s well-organized defense in the first half, with returning striker Shalulile kept largely quiet. However, coach Miguel Cardoso brought on Thapelo Maseko at halftime, injecting urgency into the attack.
The second half saw a shift in momentum. Maseko created chances for Bathusi Aubaas and Kutlwano Letlhaku, while Jayden Adams missed narrowly from a corner. The breakthrough came in the 73rd minute when Fawaaz Basadien’s corner caused havoc in the Magesi box, and Adams pounced on the loose ball to toe-poke it home, giving Sundowns a deserved lead.
Things worsened for Magesi in the final stages as Lehlohonolo Mtshali was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, reducing the hosts to ten men.
The Brazilians sealed the win in the 87th minute. Substitute Tashreeq Matthews laid the ball off to Shalulile, who rifled in a low shot from the edge of the box. The goal marked Shalulile’s 129th in the PSL, drawing him level with legendary striker Siyabonga Nomvethe at the top of the all-time scoring charts.
The victory moves Sundowns up to third place with seven points from three matches, while Magesi sit in 13th with two points. Next up for Downs is the crucial second leg of their MTN8 semi-final against Orlando Pirates on Saturday.