Goals from Teboho Mokoena and Tashreeq Matthews saw Mamelodi Sundowns open a 12-point lead at the top of the DStv Premiership standings following their 2-0 win over Chippa United at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
The Brazilians got off to a great start and took the lead as early as the ninth minute when Teboho Mokoena rifled the ball home on the half-volley to find the back of the net.
The Chilli Boys nearly found the equalising goal in the 14th minute, but Ronwen Williams made a brilliant save to keep Sundowns’ lead intact.
Williams came to his side’s rescue again four minutes later when he got down low to deny Bienvenu Eva Nga, who was through on goal.
Sundowns had a chance to double their lead in the 27th minute when Peter Shalulile latched on to a loose ball in the box but fired his first-time effort over the crossbar.
Nga was gifted a golden opportunity to level matters in stoppage time but opted to go for the pass rather than go for goal himself in a one-on-one situation with Williams as Sundowns went into the break with a one-goal lead.
Sundowns showed their intent early in the second half and nearly doubled their lead, but Lucas Ribeiro Costa could not beat the Chippa keeper with his cheeky dink.
Rulani Mokwena opted to make a triple change in the 58th minute as Sipho Mbule, Themba Zwane, and Gaston Sirino came on to replace the likes of Ribeiro, Modiba, and Shalulile.
Substitute Sirino was nearly through on goal for Sundowns’ second goal in the 67th minute when he received a pass from Zungu, but the Chippa did well to intervene before the Uruguayan could get his shot away.
Zwane had a chance to make it 2-0 two minutes later, but the attacker saw his effort sail inches wide of the bottom corner.
Mokwena brought on fresh legs in the 80th minute when Lorch made way for Tashreeq Matthews, who wasted no time in making an impact after finding the back of the net with an outside finish five minutes later.
With three minutes left to play, Sundowns made their final substitution by removing Zungu and substituting Grant Kekana.
The Brazilians managed to hold on to their lead until the final whistle to walk away with the win and all three points.
Photo by Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
