Mamelodi Sundowns moved seven points clear at the top of the Absa Premiership after claiming a narrow 1-0 victory over Cape Town City at Athlone Stadium on Friday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.
The clash at Athlone Stadium got off to a slow start with both sides trying to find their rhythm in the opening exchange of the match.
The Citizens produced the first opportunity in the 10th minute when Thamsanqa Mkhize tried to play a cross into the area, but Denis Onyango was on hand to parry the ball out to safety.
Sundowns had a golden opportunity to take the lead, but Jeremy Brockie failed to capitalise on a defensive error made by the City defence.
Onyango came to his side’s rescue in the 22nd minute as he produced a fine save to deny Lyle Lakay’s strike at goal.
Three minutes later, Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane was sent to the stands by referee Victor Gomes for protesting a foul awarded against Tebogo Langerman.
Mkhize should’ve handed City the lead after 30 minutes, but the defender was unable to direct his header on target.
Neither side were able to break the deadlock as the match went into the half-time interval locked at 0-0.
Sundowns came out guns blazing in the second half and broke the deadlock when Khama Billiat guided his half-volley past Sage Stephens to find the net, making the score 1-0.
Ayanda Patosi should’ve levelled matters seven minutes later after latching on a cross from Lakay, but the winger’s half-volley was kept out by Onyango.
Benni McCarthy’s side pressed forward in search of an equalising goal but were finding it hard to break down the Brazilians’ defence.
Patosi had another opportunity to restore parity five minutes from time, but Onyango once again made a fine save to keep out the winger’s powerful strike from distance.
The Citizens were then reduced to 10 men after captain Robyn Johannes was shown his marching orders for a foul on Percy Tau in stoppage time.
However, Sundowns held on to their one-goal lead over City until the final whistle as Mosimane’s side moved seven points clear at the top of the league standings.
Photo: Aubrey Kgakatsi/BackpagePix
