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Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 AS FAR Player Ratings - Mokoena and Cupido Shine Bright

john-eastwood
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Last updated: 18 May 2026

Mamelodi Sundowns defeated AS FAR 1-0 at home, with Aubrey Modiba scoring a superb freekick before leaving due to injury. Keanu Cupido, playing through pain, earned Man of the Match for his defensive prowess. Teboho Mokoena also shined, nearly scoring from a freekick. While several attacking players struggled with execution, Sundowns’ overall disciplined performance and strong defense set them up well for the second leg, giving them a valuable advantage in this crucial tie.

John Eastwood 18 May 2026
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  • Sundowns win 1-0 over AS FAR, as Modiba scores a key freekick.
  • Cupido is named as our Man of the Match for his stellar defensive work.
  • Strong team effort puts Sundowns in control for the second leg.
keanu cupido
The return to the starting XI of Keanu Cupido was a key reason for Sundowns' win (Getty Images).

Mamelodi Sundowns beat AS FAR 1-0 at home on Sunday. Below are the player ratings for the Sundowns starting XI and subs. 

STARTING XI:

Ronwen Williams: 6

The goalkeeper had a quiet match in terms of making saves. He was very strong at claiming crosses in this one.

Khuliso Mudau: 7

The right back cruised through the game without being troubled at all. One feels he has a lot to contribute in the second leg next weekend.

Keanu Cupido: 8 - Man of the Match

The centre-back played with a pain-killing injection and was excellent. His reading of the game was crucial to a clean sheet.

Khulumani Ndamane: 7

The left-footed centre back was very strong in the aerial battles and covered well behind his fullback. 

Aubrey Modiba: 7

The left back scored a sublime freekick in the first half before a hamstring injury ended his afternoon early. 

Jayden Adams: 7

The midfielder kept things simple. He won his tackles and passed the ball securely to prevent counter-attacks.

Teboho Mokoena: 8

The midfielder was a candidate for man of the match. He hit the post from a freekick and was very strong with his reading of the game defensively.

Kutlwano Letlhaku: 6

The winger tried hard and earned the praise of his coach. Too many crosses were overhit and he missed a clear chance in the second half.

Nuno Santos: 6

The playmaker worked hard and linked up well with his teammates. It was not one of his most influential outings, though. 

Tashreeq Matthews: 6

The winger toiled hard, but many of his dribbles were not successful. His work rate defensively was excellent throughout.

Brayan Leon: 6

The striker missed a golden chance to make it 2-0. He was roughed up physically, but remained a threat during his time on the pitch.

SUBSTITUTES:

Marcelo Allende: 6

The number kept the ball well, which helped to secure the 1-0 win. His passing was too safe to help the side find the key second goal, though.

Divine Lunga: 6

After Modiba's injury, he was solid on the left side. He is expected to start the second leg. 

Monnapule Saleng: 5

The speedy left-footed player looked rusty after an illness. Many of his actions failed to come off.

Tsiki Ntsabaleng: 6

The winger had little real impact in his limited time on the pitch. 

Lebo Mothiba: 5

The bulky striker only had a couple of minutes and did not impact the game.

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