Brazilian Ribeiro strikes as Mamelodi Sundowns win 10 in a row

English Woman's Journal - Brazilian Ribeiro strikes as Mamelodi Sundowns win 10 in a row

Weather - London 6°C

Brazilian Ribeiro strikes as Mamelodi Sundowns win 10 in a row

SPORTS 06.12.2023

Brazilian Ribeiro strikes as Mamelodi Sundowns win 10 in a row / Photo: PHILL MAGAKOE - AFP

Brazilian Lucas Ribeiro scored to earn Mamelodi Sundowns a 1-0 win over AmaZulu on Wednesday, and a record-extending 10th straight South African Premiership victory since the season started.

Change text size:

The 25-year-old, signed five months ago from Belgian club SK Beveren, converted a 21st-minute penalty awarded after Themba Zwane was fouled by Mbongeni Gumede in a clash of captains.

By scoring, Ribeiro rose to the top of the Golden Boot race with seven goals, one more than Tshegofatso Mabasa of Moroka Swallows and Khanyiso Mayo of Cape Town Spurs.

Although sidelined for part of the 2023-2024 season through injury, the South American has also netted three times in the CAF Champions League.

Victory for the Pretoria outfit at a rain-soaked Durban stadium took the defending champions five points clear of second-placed Cape Town City, despite playing three fewer matches.

Last week, Sundowns bettered the record of eight victories from the start of a season that they had shared with Kaizer Chiefs by defeating SuperSport United in a Pretoria derby.

Coach Rulani Mokwena said after the victory over AmaZulu, who lacked suspended Nigerian forward Augustine Kwem, that the "winning mentality" of his team was crucial.

"Our mentality got us over the line. We suffered at times tonight and had to battle for the three points," he said.

"Between domestic and African competitions, we are playing virtually every three days and it is impossible to always play attractive football.

"The mark of champions is winning when not at your best. We had good moments against AmaZulu and not-so-good ones."

As Spain-born AmaZulu coach Pedro Franco reflected on a third consecutive home loss in all competitions, he drew comfort from his side forcing Sundowns to waste time.

"I cannot recall the last time I saw Mamelodi wasting time at the end of each half. That is a tribute to the efforts of my team," said the former Real Madrid assistant manager.

On Tuesday, Orlando Pirates, league runners-up behind Sundowns last season, climbed to sixth with a comfortable 2-0 win over disappointing top-half rivals Moroka Swallows in Soweto.

O.Wood--EWJ

Featured

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Virginia overwhelms Arkansas 91-72 behind balanced scoring

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thijs De Ridder scored 16 points, one of five players in double figures for No. 9 Virginia as the Cavaliers routed No.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

Change text size: