SuperSport United all but ended Cape Town City’s chances of clinching the Absa Premiership trophy, after they secured a 4-2 win against the Citizens on Tuesday night at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.
Stuart Baxter only made one change from his side that garnered a 3-2 victory against Polokwane City, opting for the experience of Onismor Bhasera, who replaced Keagan Ritchie in defence.
Eric Tinkler made three changes to his side that defeated Free State Stars 1-0, with Ebrahim Seedat, Denis Masina and Thamsanqa Mkhize all being handed starting berths.
The game got off a to a frantic start with the home side almost taking the lead in the third minute courtesy of Thuso Phala’s fierce strike, which was turned behind by goalkeeper Shu-aib Walters.
Tinkler’s side were not to be outdone by SuperSport’s early attacking efforts and the visitors took the lead in the seventh minute, when a poor clearance from defence eventually saw the ball fall to Lehlohonolo Majoro who blasted home with his weaker left to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Matsatsantsa dominated proceedings with their wave of attacks subsequent to the goal, but were unable to find the back of the net laregly due to the heroics of Walters.
The home side eventually levelled matters in the 30th minute, when the a wicked deflection bounced onto the hand of Thabo Mnyamane and past Walters.
SuperSport continued to put the Citizens on the back foot for the remainder of the half, but were unable to add to their tally as the two sides went into the half-time break deadlocked at 1-1.
The second half started much like the first, with the home side having the upper hand and SuperSport took the lead for the first time in the encounter in the 49th minute when Clayton Daniels slotted away Mnyamane’s ball into the area.
Content with their one goal lead, SuperSport looked to get numbers behind the ball to seal the victory, however they would rue that decision as City were awarded a penalty in the 59th minute, which captain Lebohang Manyama duly slotted away to move to the summit of the Absa Premiership’s top-scorer list with his 13th strike of the campaign.
SuperSport were dealt an injury blow in the 71st minute as Mnyamane made way for Aubrey Modiba, but the move paid dividends a minute later when Phala, Teboho Mokoena and Modiba combined to set up Jeremy Brockie who made no mistake from close range.
Phala added the cherry on top with virtually the last kick of the game to score the fourth to help his side to a 4-2 victory and in the process, end the Mother City based-outfit’s chances of clinching the Absa Premiership title.
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
