Mamelodi Sundowns too good for Chippa United as Orlando Pirates drop to second

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Mamelodi Sundowns too good for Chippa United as Orlando Pirates drop to second
Zuko Mdunyelwa, Mamelodi Sundowns - Image: Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a vital 4-1 win on Friday night at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium to go to the summit of the Premier Soccer League table.

The Brazilians came into the match aware that three points were enough take them to 53 points from 22 games, and replace the Soweto giants Orlando Pirates who have been doing well this season.

Mamelodi Sundowns duo Khuliso Mudau and Brayan Leon celebrating a goal
Mamelodi Sundowns duo Khuliso Mudau and Brayan Leon. Photo: Mamelodi Sundowns

For the Chilli Boys, victory could have lifted them from the 13th position and increased the gap between them and other relegation-threatened teams in the South African top-tier.

Mamelodi Sundowns takes first-half lead

As expected, Masandawana started the game brightly in search of an early goal, but the visitors absorbed the pressure well and hit the defending champions on counterattacks.

Nevertheless, the low-block was eventually broken in the 21st minute as Nuno Santos picked Chile international just outside the danger zone. The versatile midfielder capitalised on the space left by teh defenders to shoot the ball past the custodian.

The second goal for the hosts came in the 37th minute when Iqraam Rayners headed in a cross from Tsiki Ntsabeleng, although replays suggested the former was in an offside position.

Two minutes later, the Chilli Boys pulled one goal back in the 39th minute when Sundowns defenders were caught napping and Azola Matrose managed to set up Sinoxolo Kwayiba for an easy finish.

Mamelodi Sundowns finish the job

Miguel Cardoso’s men continued to press for the third goal even after the break, with Iqraam Rayners – who is now on 11 Premier Soccer League goals this season, hungry for more.

Iqraam Rayners, Mamelodi Sundowns
Iqraam Rayners, Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Mamelodi Sundowns

In the 58th minute, Zuko Mdunyelwa cut the ball back to Tashreeq Matthews, but the latter’s shot was blocked by the defenders while Themba Zwane and Rayners’ strikes a couple of minutes later narrowly missed the target.

Matthews hardwork paid dividends with seven minutes to go as a loose ball fell to him, and he cleverly beat the goalkeeper to make it 3-1. The icing on the cake came in the stoppages as Brayan Leon scored from almost the corner flag after the custodian failed to deal with the danger.

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Brayan Leon celebrating a goal
Mamelodi Sundowns striker Brayan Leon celebrating a goal

The focus for Mamelodi Sundowns is now on Tuesday when they will make a trip to Durban City hoping to colelct maximum points to continue their chase for the ninth PSL crown in a row.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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