Mamelodi Sundowns string sixth straight PSL win from a Ribeiro double

Polokwane traded tackles with league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday evening in the Premier Soccer League.

Polokwane were looking to bounce back from their 3-2 loss at Golden Arrows last Saturday; while Mamelodi Sundowns who are closing down on a rare record of wins, had their eyes set on picking up their sixth straight win of the league season.

However, Masandawana continued their brilliant start to the PSL season, as they defeated Polokwane 0-2 with Costa Ribeiro scoring twice on the evening.

Job done and the points are coming home with The Brazilians! 👆

Polokwane City 0️⃣➖2️⃣ Mamelodi Sundowns (12', 50' Ribeiro)#Sundowns #DownsLive #DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/Fc70ObKt8M

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 30, 2023

Let's get to read what went down!

Mamelodi Sundowns ahead at halftime from a Lucas Ribeiro penalty

It took Sundowns just about four minutes to be in full control of the skirmish but didn't threaten, just knocking the ball around.

However, the first chance of the game fell to Polokwane after a good build-up down the right, but the final execution from Mashikinya was not the best as Ronwen Williams made the save.

Players in action, Polokwane vs Mamelodi Sundowns — Credit: Icon Sport

Moments later, Sundowns attacked and Allende was brought down in the box by Nikani and it was a penalty for the visitors which Ribeiro dispatched emphatically to put his team 0-1 ahead in the 12th minute.

Boosted by the goal, the visitors were in total control, keeping hold on the ball, but around the 18th minute, Mapfumo could have drawn level for Polokwane having found space after a good team move but he was just stopped at the last hurdle.

At the 25th minute, the Polokwane keeper came off his line and was beaten but then Maema couldn't finish a top class Sundowns' move. Maema again scuffed his lines around the box from another chance in the 33rd minute.

Sundowns pressured Mathebula in goal for Polokwane but the goalie stood undeterred as he made some decent saves.

In the 41st minute, a good chance for Mapfumo to draw level for the host went begging after a good run off with the ball, but instead of looking for other options he shot over and wasted a good chance!

Mokwena's side continued to press for a second goal in the last minutes of the half but it wasn't meant to come as both teams went into the break on that 12th minute strike from Ribeiro

Costa Ribeiro doubled the lead for Orlando Pirates

The second half started just like the firsthalf with Sundowns in full control, and just four minutes into the half, there was another goal.

Sundowns had a corner and Polokwane failed to clear their line. It fell for Zwane, who combined with another to set up Ribeiro for his second!

Both teams made changes in the 55th minute. Nku replaced Mendieta who've been quiet in the game, while Steven Goovadia replaced Samuel Nana, and Nyakala Raphadu replaced Luciano Van Heerden.

With a two goal cushion, Sundowns were in control, enjoying possession and dictating play.

Mathebula was alert in the 75th minute as he came off his line to keep the scoreline at 0-2 as Sundowns looked the more dangerous to score a third goal.

The home side tried to get themselves a consolation goal as they barged forward, however, that could have gotten Rulani's side another goal as they found space from another good but Maema's shot after Nku's pass went wide.

Mamelodi Sundowns in the last minutes of the encounter saw off the game with some string of other substitutions, but there was still action left!

Maboe who had only been on the field for six minutes got sent off for Sundowns after a reckless challenge on Matuludi in the 88th minute!

With barely minutes left to play, the league leaders saw out the game to cap off a 2-0 routine win and sixth straight league victory this season.

However for Polokwane, who were looking to get back to winning ways after their 3-2 loss away at Golden Arrows, the loss became their third in five league games this campaign.