Iqraam Rayners strikes twice as Mamelodi Sundowns take sweet revenge over 10-man TS Galaxy to restore huge lead over Orlando Pirates

It was an encounter that saw three goals being scored in the opening 10 minutes.

Peter Shalulile was the first on the scoresheet by easily connecting an Iqraam Rayners cool assist in the first minutes.

In the seventh minute, Rayners then shrugged off his marker to fire home after being fed by Marcelo Allende as Sundowns threatened to go on a rampage.

But TS Galaxy pulled a goal back three minutes later when Sphiwe Mahlangu rounded Masandawana goalkeeper Jody February and finished into an empty net after being set up by Victor Letsoalo.

Then after 26 minutes, the Rockets went a man down when Letsoalo received a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Bathusi Aubaas.

The Tshwane giants restored a two-goal lead seven minutes before halftime when Jayden Adams struck from inside the box.

Rayners returned to grab Masandawana's fourth and seal his double with a goal three minutes into the second half, making the 4-1 lead difficult for the visitors to come back.

After second-placed Pirates had cut Sundowns' lead to nine points earlier in the day, the Brazilians then went back to 12 points clear at the top.

Saturday's result was revenge by Masandawana who were beaten 1-0 by TS Galaxy last week.

It was a perfect outing for Rayners who managed to grab a brace while also making an assist.

He remains a serious contender for the Golden Boot award as he now sits on nine goals, one fewer than his teammate Lucas Ribeiro Costa.

This was a second consecutive loss for TS Galaxy who went into this match fresh from the 3-2 defeat by Stellenbosch.

It dented their bid to finish the season in the top three although they are still within a chance of achieving that.

Masandawana continue with their title push when they visit third-placed Sekhukhune United at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday.

TS Galaxy will be back at Mbombela Stadium next Saturday to host Golden Arrows as they seek to recover from the Sundowns setback.