Top story

CT City dent Sundowns’ title hopes

You are currently viewing CT City dent Sundowns’ title hopes

Mamelodi Sundowns’ Absa Premiership title hopes took a major blow after conceding a 3-2 defeat to Cape Town City at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Monday evening, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

Jan Olde Riekerink named Craig Martin at right back instead of captain Thamsanqa Mkhize, while new signing Diego Appollis was designated to the beach.

Pitso Mosimane, meanwhile, made three changes from his side’s draw with Highlands Park as Wayne Arendse, Tiyani Mabunda and Nicholus Lukhubeni returned to the squad.

The Citizens got off to a great start by opening the scoring in the 13th minute when Bradley Ralani found the net from a tight angle after his initial strike was saved by Denis Onyango.

City nearly doubled their lead five minutes later after Fagrie Lakay cut the ball back into the path of Shane Roberts and Mduduzi Mdantsane, but neither player could make contact with the ball as they collided.

The Cape Town-based outfit continued to press forward and managed to double their lead on the stroke of half time as Kermit Erasmus lobbed the on-rushing Onyango to find the net after he was played through on goal by Mdantsane.

Sundowns then pulled a goal back in stoppage time after Edmilson Dove nodded the ball into his own net from a Gaston Sirino corner.

The game went into half time with City 2-1 ahead of Sundowns.

Olde Riekerink was forced to make a change early in the second half when Mkhize came on to replace the injured Martin.

The Citizens came to life in the 53rd minute and grabbed their third goal as Ralani lobbed the ball over Onyango to make it 3-1.

Mosimane opted to make a triple substitution in the 63rd minute by bringing on Andile Jali, Sibusiso Vilakazi and Phakamani Mahlambi to replace Nicholus Lukhubeni, Tiyani Mabunda and Themba Zwane, respectively, while City introduced Mpho Makola in place of Roberts.

City started to dominate proceedings after 70 minutes of play as they looked to extend their lead even further.

The Brazilians’ persistence paid off as they pulled a goal back in stoppage time after Keletso Makgalwa calmly slotted the ball past Peter Leeuwenburgh to make it 3-2.

However, City held on to their lead over Sundowns following a nervy last few minutes in stoppage time to secure all three points at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.