TS Galaxy 2-0 Mamelodi Sundowns - Sundowns' Player Ratings as they crash out of Nedbank Cup

John Eastwood

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John Eastwood 1 hour ago

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Sundowns were eliminated in the Nedbank round of 16 by TS Galaxy.
Morena delivered an impactful performance as a substitute.
Critical errors and lacklustre finishing proved costly.

Sundowns' defender Thapelo Morena was the best of a bad bunch vs TS Galaxy (Getty Images).

Mamelodi Sundowns lost 2-0 away to TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup on Saturday. Below are the player ratings for the Sundowns starting XI and subs. The Brazilians were eliminated in the round of 16, just a few days after a 2-1 win away at Orlando Pirates in the PSL.

STARTING XI

Denis Onyango: 6

The 40-year-old goalkeeper had little chance with either of the goals. He made a couple of second-half saves to keep the score down.

Kegan Johannes: 7

At right back, Johannes struggled in the first half. In the second half, he moved into central defence and looked more comfortable. His passing was excellent at times to break lines.

Malibongwe Khoza: 6

The young defender looks rusty after struggling for regular minutes in recent months. He made one error in the second half which led to a big chance, but his speed allowed him to recover and make a saving tackle.

Divine Lunga: 5

His poor pass led to the crucial opening goal. He looked out of place in a central defensive role, but was more comfortable once he shifted to left back.

Thato Sibiya: 5

The young fullback made a rash tackle to concede a penalty. His positioning was suspect and his lack of experience was evident throughout. He was taken off at half-time.

Miguel Reisinho: 5

The tall Portuguese midfielder played in a deep role. He played some fine longer passes, but did nto do enough to stamp his authority on the match.

Marcelo Allende: 6

The Chilean midfielder was eager to impress after losing his place in the best XI. He worked hard and kept the ball well, but he takes some blame for the opening goal.

Nuno Santos: 5

This was yet another off-colour match for the former Portugal under-21 international. He gave the ball away too much and never got into goalscoring positions. He did set up one clea-cut chance in the second half, though.

Tsiki Ntsabeleng: 4

The on-loan winger was ineffective. He was taken off at half-time as the game had passed him by.

Kutlwano Letlhaku: 4

The young winger tried hard to make an impact. His shooting and crossing actions were wayward and he looked to be overcomplicating things. He also tried a shot in the 1st half when a teammate was free. Letlhaku was taken off at half-time.

Peter Shalulile: 5

The record goalscorer was invisible at times. He should have scored in the first half after falling to control a through-ball.

SUBSTITUTES:

Brayan Leon: 5

Following four goals in two matches, big things were expected when he came on. We did not see the usual energy or movement, as fatigue may be playing a part.

Tashreeq Matthews: 5

The skilful winger's wild finishing and loose touches continued. His confidence is shattered and he needs a few matches in the stands to gather himself.

Thapelo Morena: 7 - man of the match

Morena came on at right back after the interval. He added attacking thrust and defensive abilities to Sundowns. His impact on the game was impressive.

Themba Zwane: 6

The playmaker was expected to start. He only got 30 odd minutes in the end and could not turn the tide for his side.

Aubrey Modiba: 6

The in-form left back played only a few minutes and could not make much difference.