Percy Tau recorded two assists as Mamelodi Sundowns ran out 2-0 victors against Bidvest Wits to move six points clear at the top of the PSL table, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.
The home side dominated early proceedings and should have taken the lead as early as the fifth minute when Themba Zwane’s defence-splitting ball found Tebogo Langerman in the area, but the defender’s shot went over the bar.
Sundowns again proved wasteful three minutes later when Tau’s great ball into the area found Sibusiso Vilkazi, however, goalkeeper Darren Keet made a fine stop with his feet to deny it.
The visitors deservedly took the lead in the 20th minute after Tau pickpocketed Phumlani Ntshangase in the midfield before feeding Zwane in the area, who made no mistake.
Sundowns doubled their lead in the 35th minute when defender Buhle Mkhwanazi gave the ball away to Tau, who fed Vilakazi, who had the easiest of tap-ins.
Abednego Mosiatlhaga replaced Daine Klate at the half-time break as Gavin Hunt’s men looked to get back into the game.
Sundowns made their first change on the half-hour mark when Thapelo Morena replaced the injured Vilakazi.
Morena was in the thick of things minutes later, but his shot on target from an acute angle was saved by Keet. Wits opted for an all-out attack in the 69th minute when Eleazar Rodgers replaced Lehlohonolo Majoro.
Oupa Manyisa made a late cameo appearance for Sundowns as Pitso Mosimane’s side saw off the remaining minutes of the clash with ease.
Sundowns XI: 14. Onyango, 4. Langerman, 20. Ngcongca, 6. Arendse, 16. Nascimento, 13. Mabunda, 11. Vilakazi, 8. Kekana, 26. Sirino, 18. Zwane, 22. Tau.
Wits XI: 1. Keet, 7. Klate, 8. Monare, 11. Pelembe, 14. Claasen, 15. Mkhwanazi, 25. Gina, 26. Ritchie, 33. Frosler, 41. Ntshangase, 45. Majoro.
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