There were also interesting decisions in team selection with Mngqithi handing out debuts to defender Asekho Tiwani and attacker Rayners while Lebohang Maboe got a rare start.
Mngqithi left regulars Aubrey Modiba, Themba Zwane and Peter Shalulile on the bench while Khuliso Mudau and Teboho Mokoena were not in match-day squad, possibly ‘to keep them fresh for Tuesday’s Betway Premiership clash against SuperSport United at Loftus.
Sundowns took the lead in the third minute after Bobo Angwenga brought down Tiwani in the box and Ribeiro showed nerves of steel to step up and send Swallows goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela the wrong way.
This was Sundowns’ first official goal this season after Thabang Matuludi scoring an own goal in their 1-0 win over Polokwane City and they failed to find the back of the net in successive 1-0 losses to Stellenbosch.
The goal gave Sundowns attacking impetus and they could have increased their lead after 12 minutes but Mathabela stretched at full length to parry Arthur Sales’ shot to safety.