Rayners double fires Sundowns into MTN8 semifinals with crushing win

Mamelodi Sundowns cruised into the MTN8 semifinals after dismantling Richards Bay 4-0 on Sunday, with Iqraam Rayners the star of the show, netting twice to guide Masandawana to a dominant victory at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

The reigning Betway Premiership champions showed no signs of fatigue despite missing key players Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Khuliso Mudau and Peter Shalulile.

Returning from their impressive FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the United States, Sundowns controlled proceedings from the first whistle, leaving the Natal Rich Boys chasing shadows.

Rayners opened the scoring midway through the first half, ghosting unmarked into the box to head in Marcelo Allende’s corner at the far post. Richards Bay’s defensive strategy of sitting deep and absorbing pressure backfired as Sundowns continued to dictate possession.

Just before the break, their advantage doubled when Simphiwe Mcineka inadvertently bundled Teboho Mokoena’s low cross into his own net, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb.

Any hopes of a Richards Bay revival were dashed moments into the second half. Rayners latched onto Arthur Sales’ clever through ball and finished confidently at the near post to complete his brace.

Substitute Siyabonga Mabena then put the icing on the cake, his long-range strike taking a wicked deflection to seal the rout.

Richards Bay offered little in attack, rarely troubling Ronwen Williams, who enjoyed a quiet afternoon.

The emphatic victory not only sends Sundowns into the MTN8 last four alongside Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch and Sekhukhune United but also serves as a reminder of their hunger to reclaim the trophy they last lifted in 2021.