Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro signed off Mamelodi Sundowns' South African Premiership campaign in style, scoring both goals in a comfortable 2-0 win over Magesi in Pretoria on Sunday. The champions ended their season on 73 points-matching last year's total-and celebrated a record-extending eighth consecutive league title.
Ribeiro struck early at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, deflecting a shot from teammate Iqraam Rayners past Magesi's veteran Zimbabwean goalkeeper, Elvis Chipezeze, in just the fourth minute. He added a second on 22 minutes, finishing off a well-rehearsed free-kick routine by calmly placing the ball into the corner of the net while Chipezeze remained rooted to the spot. The Brazilians brace brought his league tally to 16 goals, two ahead of Rayners and well clear of fellow Sundowns teammate Arthur Sales and Stellenbosch's Devin Titus.
Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende praised Ribeiro's performance, hailing him not just as the best footballer in South Africa, but across the entire African continent. The 25-year-old attacker joined the Pretoria giants from Belgian club Beveren in mid-2023 and has made a strong impact in his debut season.
Sundowns dominated proceedings, with Rayners nearly adding a third when his header from a Ribeiro cross hit the woodwork, followed by a Teboho Mokoena free-kick that also struck the frame. Arthur Sales missed a golden opportunity in the second half, miscuing a cross when clean through on goal.
Head coach Miguel Cardoso, who took charge in December following the dismissal of Manqoba Mngqithi, expressed his satisfaction after the match. The Portuguese manager praised the players for their energy and the quality of their second goal, and lauded Sundowns as ambassadors for South African football.