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Sundowns move level with Chiefs after clinical victory

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Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a vital 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs at the Orlando Stadium on Thursday evening. They are now level on points with Amakhosi and sit second only on goal difference.

Both sides knew the importance of the game leading into the encounter as three points would draw them level with Chiefs, while an Amakhosi victory would open up a six-point gap at the top.

Ernst Middendorp shocked many with his starting lineup as he fielded Keletso Sifama alongside Lazarous Kambole up front, leaving Khama Billiat on the bench against his former team.

Eric Mathoho and Lebogang Manyama also returned to the Chiefs side, while Pitso Mosimane made only one change from the win over Golden Arrows, with Themba Zwane recalled.

After a nervy start from both sides it was the Glamour Boys who created the first opening on goal with 12 minutes gone, as Manyama thread Bernard Parker through on goal but the veteran forward surprisingly opted to look for a pass instead of shooting. This snuffed the chance out quickly.

Sundowns went close next as Lyle Lakay struck a free kick from long range that looked destined for the corner … until Daniel Akpeyi came diving across his goals to flick the effort over the bar.

The Brazilians, though, began to find their feet and after winning the ball back high up the field, Zwane and Sirino combined with the former producing a slick back-heel pass to the latter who smashed his effort home. So, 1-0 to Sundowns 10 minutes before the break.

Sirino wasn’t done, though, and had a golden chance to double his side’s lead when he glided past Mathoho but Akpeyi was quickly off his line to pounce on the ball and thwart the Uruguayan, who could’ve squared it to Ali Meza for a tap-in.

Mosimane’s men were deservedly leading 1-0 at the break.

Middendorp was looking for a big second half and made three changes at the break with Dumisani Zuma, Khama Billiat and Anthony Akumu replacing Willard Katsande, Keletso Sifama and Lazarous Kambole.

Chiefs started the second stanza with more intent as they held on to possession of the ball better, while Downs looked to hit on the counter.

Mosimane’s men began to sit deeper and deeper as the game wore on, with the coach taking off Zwane and Sirino for the more defensive-minded Andile Jali and Lebohang Maboe.

The Soweto giants were then struggling to break down a determined Downs side, but they eventually managed to carve out a chance through Mathoho. However, Kennedy Mweene turned his effort on to the bar before Zuma’s rebound cannoned into Billiat.

Sundowns then almost dealt a knockout blow when Maboe snatched the ball off the Chiefs defender, but his effort hit the post before flying across the face of goal.

Chiefs continued to pile forward in search of the equaliser but despite a couple of half chances from crosses into the box, they could not break down Mosimane’s men.

Sundowns claimed all three points and are now level with Kaizer Chiefs on points and sit second only on goal difference.