SUNDOWNS PUNISH WASTEFUL RANGERS

PIGG’S PEAK – A revamped yet wasteful Pigg’s Peak Rangers side learnt a harsh lesson as Denver Sundowns capitalised on their bluntness in front of goal.

Former Manzini Wanderers’ forward, Hassan Balogun, netted the only goal of the match from the penalty spot in the second half. This solitary strike secured maximum points for Sundowns, elevating them from 10 to 13 points. This solitary strike secured maximum points for Sundowns, elevating them from fourth to second spot with 14 points. Red Rhinos, formerly Tambankulu Callies, lead the pack with 17 points.  However, the defeat added to the woes of Rangers, who have undergone harsh changes this season. Comprised mostly of Ntfonjeni High School stars, the team finds itself deep in the relegation zone, second from the bottom.

The match, played under a scorching sun, saw Sundowns dominate the early exchanges. The first-half was a game of cat and mouse, with both sides struggling to find the back of the net, leading to a goalless draw at the break. It was, however, Rangers’ goalkeeper, Lindani Dlamini, who was called into action as early as six minutes into the game, tipping over a free-kick from Sundowns’ captain, Tony Brankinos. Sundowns had a golden opportunity to take the lead shortly after the restart, but Thulasizwe Khumalo’s selfish play saw him squandering a chance. He opted to shoot at a goal instead of passing to his unmarked teammates.

Rangers’ coach, Bongumusa ‘Giggs’ Mdluli, responded by changing the defensive approach, forcing Sundowns’ keeper, Phila Mamba, out off a mini-holiday. Despite shots by Phumlani Ngwenya, Samkelo Malinga and Sanele Mamba, they could not smash the deadlock. Sundowns then found a breakthrough just before the hour mark when Brankinos, who was dribbling towards goal, was brought down in the box. Referee Thamsanqa Ginindza pointed to the spot, and Hassan converted on both the attempts after the first was disallowed for encroachment. Rangers’ launched fruitless attacks, but could not find the net, leaving Sundowns to celebrate a hard-fought victory.

Man of the match:
Tony Brankinos (Sundowns): He was the engine room for his side, orchestrating play and creating chances with his skilful touches and vision.

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