Peter Shalulile netted a hat-trick as Mamelodi Sundowns secured a 4-2 win over Swallows in the DStv Premiership at the Dobsonville Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The Brazilians got off to the perfect start as they managed to break the deadlock after 10 minutes of play after Peter Shalulile headed home a delightful cross from George Maluleka at the back post.
Shalulile then completed his brace and doubled Sundowns’ lead five minutes later when he fired his effort past Swallows goalkeeper
Thela Ngobeni to make it 2-0, before Dillon Solomons pulled a goal back a minute later.
Surprise Ralani then restored the Brazilians’ two-goal lead in the 28th minute when he took a fantastic touch before firing his effort low and into the bottom corner to make it 3-1.
Themba Zwane had the ball in the back of the net in the 37th minute after he was played through on goal by Haashim Domingo, but the linesman flagged him for offside.
Sundowns managed to hold on to their two-goal lead as the game went into the half-time break 3-1 in favour of the visitors.
Reyaad Pieterse was called into action early in the second half when he produced a fine save to keep his side’s lead intact.
At the other end, Zwane nearly extended Sundowns’ lead even further in the 61st minute, but Mshishi fired his effort over the bar after he was played through on goal by Shalulile.
Sundowns continued to press forward and Maluleka came close to adding a fourth goal, but the veteran midfielder fired his curling effort narrowly wide of goal.
Domingo should have found the back of the net in the 78th minute after he was picked out by Shalulile in the box, but the Sundowns midfielder couldn’t keep his effort on target.
Swallows found the back of the net through Ruzaigh Gamildien to reduce the deficit in the 89th minute, before Shalulile completed his hat-trick to add Sundowns’ fourth goal of the game.
Sundowns pressed forward in the closing stages in search of more goals but were unable to add to their tally, ultimately walking away with the win and all three points.
